Title
The Duchess s Shells: Natural History Collecting in the Age of Cooks Voyages
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Margaret Cavendish Bentinck, the 2nd Duchess of Portland (17151785), was one of the wealthiest women in eighteenthcentury Britain. She collected fine and decorative arts (the Portland Vase was her most famous acquisition), but her great love was natural history, and shells in particular. Over the course of twenty years, she amassed the largest shell collection of her time, which was sold after her death in a spectacular auction.Beth Fowkes Tobin illuminates the interlocking issues surrounding the global circulation of natural resources, the commodification of nature, and the construction of scientific value through the lens of one womans marvelous collection. This unique study tells the story of the collections formation and dispersalabout the sailors and naturalists who ferried rare specimens across oceans and the dealers shops and connoisseurs cabinets on the other side of the world. Exquisitely illustrated, this book brings to life Enlightenment natural history and its cultures of collecting, scientific expeditions, and vibrant visual culture.Published for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Duchess's Shells'? A: The book primarily focuses on the natural history collection of Margaret Cavendish Bentinck, the 2nd Duchess of Portland, highlighting her passion for shells and the global circulation of natural resources during the 18th century.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Duchess's Shells' is Beth Fowkes Tobin, who examines the complexities of collecting and the significance of the Duchess's shell collection.
- Q: What type of illustrations can I expect in the book? A: The book features exquisite illustrations that vividly bring to life the Enlightenment era's natural history and its cultures of collecting.
- Q: When was 'The Duchess's Shells' published? A: The book was published on June 17, 2014.
- Q: What is the format of 'The Duchess's Shells'? A: The book is available in hardcover format, making it a durable addition to any collection.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 316 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone interested in natural history? A: Yes, 'The Duchess's Shells' is ideal for readers interested in natural history, collecting, and the historical context of scientific exploration.
- Q: Does the book discuss the auction of the Duchess's shell collection? A: Yes, the book discusses the spectacular auction of the Duchess's shell collection that took place after her death.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'The Duchess's Shells'? A: Key themes include the commodification of nature, the construction of scientific value, and the interconnectedness of global natural resource circulation.
- Q: Is there a specific edition of the book? A: Yes, this is an illustrated edition, which enhances the reading experience with visual representations of the subjects discussed.