Abstract

GARRIDO, Elisa; REBOK, Sandra  and  PUIG-SAMPER, Miguel Ángel. Art in the service of science: artistic antecedents for the total representation of the landscape in Alexander von Humboldt. Dynamis [online]. 2016, vol.36, n.2, pp.363-390. ISSN 2340-7948.

This study addresses the contribution of Alexander von Humboldt to the natural representation that is situated between scientific vision and artistic sentiment. Humboldt is considered as the creator of a "scientific art", i.e., artistic representation in the service of science. This iconographic representation of botanic and zoological specimens, and above all of the material remains of Pre-Hispanic cultures and their artistic expression provided a new image of America that had previously been heavily dominated by European fantasy. This paper describes his criteria for developing what he called scientific art and explores his theory of the total representation of nature. Finally, it reflects on the artistic references that Humboldt was able to incorporate into his representation system and their influence on his theoretical program.

Keywords : scientific expeditions; travel painting; America; 19th century; Alexander von Humboldt.

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