Animals are the main subject of the first paintings in human history; the prehistoric man draws the animals around him, especially those he hunts to eat on the cave walls of his dwellings.
Since then, man continued to be fascinated by the animals around him, capturing their likeness in paintings and drawings. Animal-themed illustrations serve for documentation, teaching and purely as an art form. Mythology, folklore and several forms of art are awash with representations of animals. Furthermore, animal illustrations frequently decorate written texts from early manuscripts, through the dawn of the printed book, and up to the present day. A special reference should be made to the bestiaries, illustrated medieval “books of animals” containing collections of didactic fables about actual or mythical animals.
Depictions of animals in scientific books or schoolbooks are a separate chapter. Despite the dominance of photography as a means of recording, the drawings of the various species capture details that are essential for scientific research. Some of them are extra valuable due to the extinction or the threat of extinction of some species.
Given that scientific illustration aims to create images which convey information efficiently to the observer through visual representation, it can be used to communicate complicated scientific subjects to the public or as a tool for education.
The contents of the following Thematic Exhibition offer a visual exploration of the rich fauna that surrounds us as well as a scientific observation of the fascinating world of animals. Many were made to be used for education. At the same time, they act as a visual reminder of the urgent need to protect the species living on our planet.
The exhibition contains items from the following institutions:
