Did you know how the microscope expanded scientific understanding of the world? With the invention of the microscope in the 17th century our world expanded to the microscopically small. This 18th-century Rococo French device, one of only ten of its kind worldwide, served as both a decorative and functional instrument, embodying the political power of science and art during the Age of Enlightenment.
Getty has joined forces with Smarthistory to bring you an in-depth look at select works within our collection, whether you want to learn more at home or make art more accessible in your classroom. This video series illuminates art history concepts through fun, unscripted conversations between art historians, curators, archaeologists, scientists, and artists, committed to a fresh take on the history of visual arts.
Compound Microscope and Case, c. 1751, attributed to Claude-Simeon Passemant. Gilt bronze, enamel, shagreen and glass; wood, tooled leather, brass, velvet, silver galon and various natural specimens. J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
speakers: Dr. Miriam E. Schefzyk, Associate Curator, Sculpture & Decorative Arts, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, and Dr. Beth Harris, Executive Director, Smarthistory
View the Getty x Smarthistory Conversations series:
This Compound Microscope and Case are featured in the exhibition “Magnified Wonders: An 18th-Century Microscope,” part of the larger initiative “PST ART: Art & Science Collide.”
Learn more about “Magnified Wonders: An 18th-Century Microscope” at:
https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/microscope/
Learn more about “PST ART: Art & Science Collide” at:
https://pst.art
Subscribe to the Getty Museum YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/gettymuseum
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