Explore the Background of this artwork.
Ferrante Imperato was the creator of this cabinet of wonders depicted in this print. Imperato was an apothecary and a collector of natural objects. He lived from 1525 to 1615 and was mainly known for the publication of Dell’Historia Naturale. This publication included 28 volumes, all describing and depicting his discoveries and their importance. The majority of the volumes examined minerals, gems, and stones, but this image indicated that later volumes focused on animal and botanical subjects in his room of curiosities. It was Imperato's son, Francesco Imperato, who convinced him to publish the series. This allowed for more people to share in Imperto's collection and research into the natural world. Imperto published this work in 1599 in Naples, Italy. It served as an educational source for aristocrats and individuals of higher status in society.
Naples Imperato's Ferrante Imperato apothecary