The Cabinet of Artifacts and Natural Curiosities at the Francke Foundations in Halle
Abstract
The cabinet of artifacts and natural curiosities in Halle was established in 1698 for the purpose of supporting object lessons [Realienunterricht] in the natural sciences for youth at the Francke Foundations. Very soon, however, the collection began attracting scholars and collectors from Germany and Europe alike. Today, the collection is housed in richly decorated cabinets built by artist Gottfried August Gründler (1710–75) in the former dormitory of the Francke Foundation orphanage. The cabinet includes over 3,000 curiosities, artifacts, and natural specimens [Naturalien]. Like other collections of its time, the cabinet of natural curiosities in Halle aimed to present a macrocosm in a microcosm.
Source
Source: The Cabinet of Artifacts and Natural Curiosities at the Francke Foundations in Halle.
© Klaus E. Goeltz / Francke Foundations
Further Reading
Thomas Müller-Bahlke, Die Wunderkammer der Franckeschen Stiftungen. Photography by Klaus E. Göltz. Second revised and expanded edition. Halle: Franckesche Stiftungen, 2012.