A Viennese Paradise at the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts

Anton Hartinger was a Viennese flower painter of the 19th century.  Until 26 August 2018 you can see a (small) selection of his many flower and plant illustrations at the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts.  Hartinger was a prolific painter, he produced almost 900 botanical illustrations.  On view here are some watercolor paintingsContinue reading “A Viennese Paradise at the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts”

Observing collectors of the exotic

Missionaries – mercenaries – ethnographers – tourists… One might say that collecting things is a basic human urge.  Some people collect clocks,  antique books, vintage clothing, rubber ducks, bottle tops, even umbrella sleeves (!) – you name it, somebody will surely be collecting it.   (I personally admit to an out-of-control collection of (artificial) birdsContinue reading “Observing collectors of the exotic”