Monsters and marvels piled up in Renaissance art and curiosity cabinets and, between mineral pieces, fossils and other "antiques", the first stuffed animals made their appearance. These strikingly alive animals in their death gradually become a tool for science, a biological reference medium. Taxidermy was born and its history merges with that of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. In four centuries, this art has seen the improvement of its techniques, the enrichment of its collections of mythical specimens and the revolution of its museology. The richly documented texts by Jack Thiney are amply illustrated with modern and offbeat photographs by Jacques Vekemans, who brilliantly dusts off this theme. Aesthetic but extremely instructive, this work constitutes a reference because, like taxidermy, it restores and enhances an immense heritage.

• Isbn
• Ean 9782732459974
• Author Jack Thiney
• Editor Martinière
• Language fr_CH