Linnaeus: art + nature

The legacy of the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus was marked in the 300th anniversary year of his birth by a trio of linked displays at Elizabeth Bay House.

Inspired by the Linnean ’sexual system’ of plant classification and the vast collections of the Macleay Museum, photographers Edvard Koinberg and Robyn Stacey reflect on his achievements and the rich association between art and science. Plates from Robert Thornton’s 1807 folio illustrate the revolution in scientific inquiry that Linnaeus began with his taxonomic systems.

Herbarium amoris by Edvard Koinberg sponsored by the Swedish Institute. 10 October - 2 December 2007

Museum: the Macleays, their collection and the search for order by Robyn Stacey in association with the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney. 10 October 2007 - 3 February 2008

The Temple of flora, plates from Robert Thornton’s great 1807 florilegium, The temple of flora: a new illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus. 10 October 2007 - 3 February 2008