Cabinets of Curiosities

The Eternal Fascination of Collecting

Illustrated by Paola Tassetti
Published by Vivida
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About the Book

Calling all collectors and historians! Dive into this 212-page visual journey into the Wunderkammer—the cabinets of curiosities born between the Middle Ages and the Baroque to store curiosities and the world’s enigmas.

From sacred relics and astrological instruments to anatomical anomalies and narwhal tusks believed to be unicorn horns, this fascinating book explores how collecting evolved from devotion and superstition into science, taxonomy, and personal memory. This richly illustrated cultural narrative moves through centuries of wonder, theatrical excess, and obsession culminating in the idea of the cabinet as an emotional archive and a space of loss. It includes four pages of collectible stickers inspired by the Wunderkammer universe!
  • Comprehensive History of Collection: Dives into the Wunderkammer in 212 pages
  • Symbolic & Surprising: Details the many fascinating relics collected, from narwhal tusks to anatomical anomalies.
  • Uniquely Illustrated: Enriched with colorful artwork that honors the time periods and combines cultural history with visual storytelling.
  • Features thematic “Atlases of Wonder:” It showcases iconic artifacts from Renaissance cabinets to contemporary collections.
  • Includes 4 sticker sheets!

About the Author

Francesca Anita Gigli is a writer specializing in art and visual culture. Since 2022, she has contributed articles and essays to Finestre sull’Arte, both online and in print. She is an author and host of multiple art-focused podcasts, curates a newsletter, and leads a project dedicated to communicating art across digital platforms. Additionally, she teaches contemporary art and visual communication applied to graphic design.

About the Illustrator

Paola Tassetti studied art, graduated in Architecture, and later specialised in Italian landscape research. She continued her artistic training in Kyoto with Tomohiro Hata and in London at Uncommon Creative Studio. Her multidisciplinary practice explores the intersection between biology, botany, taxonomy, anatomy, archaeology, anthropology, sociology and architecture.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Vivida (April 13, 2027)
  • Length: 212 pages
  • ISBN13: 9788854422506

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