Looking Closely: Lessons from Carnegie Museums' "Natural History Art" Collection
Winifred Austen, Golden Orioles (1909), Watercolor on board, 20 x 27 in., NHA 28.266; Deirdre E. L., Untitled Sketch (c. 1940s), Charcoal on paper, 8.5 x 11 in.
In 1973, the "M. Graham Netting Animal Portraiture Collection" was established through a grant by the Scaife Family Charitable Trusts. In the years that followed, Graham Netting, former Director and Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, used these funds to build an eccentric collection of hundreds of prints, drawings, paintings, photographs, and archival ephemera by Natural History staff, scientists, naturalists, illustrators, and other makers. This talk will share images and stories from the collection, exploring what it can teach audiences today about the history of the museum, and the history of art and science.
Deirdre M. Smith, Teaching Assistant Professor of Museum Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Assistant Curator, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
The Zoom event is hosted by Carnegie Discoverers, whose members share a passion for discovery, and adventure, and are enthusiastic supporters of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
“Founded in 2006, the principal purpose of the Carnegie Discoverers is to assist and support Carnegie Museum of Natural History in promoting its scientific, educational, and cultural missions and in the development of new and larger audiences for the institution.
Through a number of special events each year, Carnegie Discoverers explore and learn about many amazing facets of natural history. These opportunities afford our members a unique relationship with, and a keener appreciation of, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.”
Richard Moriarty, president
Carnegie Discoverers
Become a Discoverer to enjoy exclusive access to all the world-class scientific and educational treasures that the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has to offer. Visit carnegiediscoverers.org for info.