Historia Naturalis Collection

The Historia Naturalis
3507272 The Historia Naturalis; (add.info.: Illuminated initial from the Historia Naturalis. Dated 18th Century.); Universal History Archive.

Illuminated page from the Historia Naturalis. Dated 18th Century
3507357 Illuminated page from the Historia Naturalis. Dated 18th Century.; Universal History Archive.

Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743. Creator: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743

Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743. Creator: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743

Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743. Creator: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743

Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743. Creator: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Cleopatra's Banquet, between 1742 and 1743

Detail from Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print
860500 Detail from Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print, engraving & tempera on paper) (see also 860407-501) by Venetian School

Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print
860498 Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print, engraving & tempera on paper) (see also 860497-501) by Venetian School

Detail from Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print
860499 Detail from Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print, engraving & tempera on paper) (see also 860497-501) by Venetian School

Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print
860497 Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder, 1476 (print, engraving & tempera on paper) (see also 860498-501) by Venetian School

Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) (engraving)
XIR84906 Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) (engraving) by French School, (17th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Historia Naturalis Title Page
The title page from Historia Naturalis (Natural History) by Pliny the Elder. This 1st edition was published in Venice in 1469. Incunabulum, illuminated with watercolour and gold paint. 400mm x 270 mm

Death of Pliny the Elder, Roman naturalist
Death of Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman naturalist and author, on the beach at Stabiae during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Pliny the Elder, Roman naturalist
Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman naturalist and author, shown with some of the animals, minerals and plants described in his 37-volume encyclopedia Historia Naturalis

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"Exploring the Wonders of Nature: Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder" Historia Naturalis, a monumental work by Pliny the Elder, is a testament to the insatiable human curiosity about the natural world. Published in 77 AD, this encyclopedic masterpiece encompasses an astonishing range of subjects and remains one of the most influential works in scientific literature. Pliny's meticulous observations and detailed descriptions offer us a glimpse into ancient knowledge and understanding of nature. The print from 1476 captures a small but captivating detail from this vast compendium, showcasing its enduring relevance even centuries later. As we delve into this intricate engraving, we are transported back to ancient Rome where Pliny himself dedicated his life to studying and documenting various aspects of nature. From plants to animals, minerals to celestial bodies, he left no stone unturned in his quest for knowledge. The title page serves as a gateway into this fascinating world – adorned with intricate illustrations that hint at the wonders contained within. It beckons readers to embark on an intellectual journey through its pages filled with awe-inspiring discoveries. Tragically, Pliny's own life was cut short during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD while attempting to rescue others. His death only adds another layer of significance to Historia Naturalis as it stands as both his legacy and testament to humanity's ceaseless pursuit of understanding our surroundings. Today, we continue building upon Pliny's foundation as modern scientists explore new frontiers in biology, geology, astronomy, and beyond. Yet amidst all our advancements, there is something truly special about revisiting these ancient texts that remind us how far we have come while honoring those who paved the way for our current understanding. So let us celebrate Historia Naturalis by Pliny the Elder – not just as an artifact from antiquity but also as a timeless source of inspiration for generations of naturalists, scientists, and curious minds alike.