Large Drawing Room (2022) by UnknownThe Wallace Collection
A Kunstkammer was a collection of notable objects, including rare and precious works of art made of a wide variety of materials. Here we will explore five objects in the Wallace Collection made of materials that were often represented in the Renaissance or Baroque Kunstkammer.
1. Rock Crystal
Christ, with a lamb on his shoulder and in his lap, is shown here as the Good Shepherd, caring for his flock. Made in Sri Lanka or Goa, the figure is a superb example of the local tradition of carving rock crystal and decorating it with gold and precious stones.
The Good Shepherd (17th Century) by UnknownThe Wallace Collection
Rock crystal was rare, difficult to cut and very precious. It was admired for its translucence and purity and objects made of it had a special place in the Kunstkammer tradition.
2. Ivory
Ivory had a long association with the Kunstkammer; it was featured as a precious natural material in its own right, but also as a material for intricate sculptures and curious turned forms made on the mechanical lathe.
The Toilet of Bathesheba (17th Century) by Francis van BossuitThe Wallace Collection
This sensuous relief showing a scene from the Old Testament is by the Flemish sculptor Francis van Bossuit who specialised in ivory.
3. Silver
Silver statuettes of ostriches were surprisingly popular. The bird itself was seen as a curiosity due to its large size and inability to fly.
An ostrich (17th Century) by Elias ZorerThe Wallace Collection
There was a myth that the ostrich could eat metal, which originated with the Roman author Pliny the Elder who stated that the bird can digest anything. This was a reason why it was often depicted holding a horseshoe in its beak.
4. Amber
Amber, fossilized tree resin from prehistoric rainforests, was seen as a natural curiosity and was treasured for its vibrant colour. It is a versatile material and was used for all sorts of Kunstkammer objects: from vessels and panels for cabinets to chess sets.
Amber Relief (Pax) (14th Century) by UnknownThe Wallace Collection
This late Medieval amber relief of the head of Christ is one of only three known representations of this kind. It is contained within an enamelled and gilded silver frame and was conceived as a liturgical object called a pax (meaning ‘peace’ in Latin).
5. Wax
Wax is an organic material and has qualities that make it a perfect medium to represent human skin. Such works of art were included in a Kunstkammer because they were unusual and represented great skills.
Archduke Ernst of Austria (16th Century) by Antonio AbondioThe Wallace Collection
The creater Antonio Abondio is mainly known as a medallist, but he also pioneered the coloured wax portrait miniature in relief. His intricate, jewel-like portraits were admired for their unprecedented realism.
History of Hertford House Wallace Collection tour (2022) by Rachel MannsThe Wallace Collection
Learn more about works of art in the collection here.
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