Do You Even Wunderkammer, Bruder?

condra (67)in #art • 9 years ago (edited)

You may already be a fan, yet never have heard of Wunderkammer!

Back in 16th century Europe, a creepy and unsettling hobby emerged amongst the upper classes. The "cabinet of curiosities" was a room filled with the most unique, exotic and fascinating specimens, souvenirs and trinkets.

Be their origins in natural history, or some mysterious sculpture or gadget, these prized possessions were displayed in these precursors to museums. Often containing abnormalities, or specially created freaks of taxidermy, the Wunderkammer (German) was a rather morbid curiosity, and yet, had an aesthetic and appeal all of its own.

This was a time when the world outside of Europe was still being discovered and explored. Before the age of television, the ownership of a narwhal horn, gorilla skull, or stuffed ostrich would be something of great prestige, and these items would have had an immense sense of mystery, even power.

Unsettling as it may seem, these items were often educational, and were documented and discussed in popular publications at the time.

Wunderkammer In Modern Culture

The remnants of Wunderkammer still remain in contemporary culture, if not for the scientific and educational purposes, the aesthetic is certainly widely appreciated. Goth and Steam Punk fans are no doubt aware of its charms, but the style is enjoying even more mainstream popularity of late. In fact, it has seen a resurgence in popularity across the culture board; in photography, art, fashion, entertainment, even decor. Etsy crafts people make jewelry from bird skulls. Heck, you can buy a skull in a bell jar in chain-store Argos here in Europe. Just like the stuffed animals and skeletal curiosities, Wunderkammer will remain in our consciousness for a long time to come.