Albertus Seba 1731

Curator: This is a plate featuring Albertus Seba by Jacobus Houbraken, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures roughly 44 by 20 centimeters. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the contrast of textures—the smoothness of his face against the elaborate, almost wild, curls of his wig. It feels so controlled, yet unrestrained, all at once. Curator: Precisely. Houbraken captures Seba, a pharmacist, amidst his natural curiosities. He holds a specimen jar, surrounded by his collection of flora and fauna, hints of his expansive inventory. Editor: The detail in that book is incredible! You can almost feel the fragile wings of the butterflies pinned within. There's such a strong sense of both scientific observation and artistic rendering here. Curator: The setting suggests his prominent place in the scientific community. Note the shelf of jars behind him, hinting at his renowned cabinet of natural history. Editor: It feels like a very deliberate staging, showcasing his world and his expertise, but I also see a man deeply fascinated by the natural world, almost reverent in his presentation of its wonders. Curator: Absolutely, Houbraken captures the dual nature of Seba as both a scientist and a collector—a man of his time, exploring and interpreting the world around him. Editor: For me, it’s the tension between the scientific and the artistic that lingers, a reminder that even in observation, there’s always an element of interpretation.