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Memorials of Linnaeus

Photograph
1864 (photographed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This photograph was taken at the home of botanist Carl von Linné (known as Linnaeus) at Hammarby near Uppsala, Sweden. Linnaeus devised the first consistent binomial classification system for plants, which is still used, in a modified form, today.

Schenson's practice as a painter (as well as a photographer) is evident here. She used a painting by Johan Henrik Scheffel (dated 1755, and still in Hammarby) as part of a lively composition. She placed objects of the botanist's daily life, such as his hat, teacup, teapot, and tea caddy, with the painting. His walking stick leans against a chair, as if its owner might return at any moment. Schenson also indicates Linnaeus' place in an ancestral portrait gallery, positioning Scheffel's painting so that the sitter's head appears in line with the two female portraits (his wife and his mother, perhaps) on the wall in the background. There are other photographs by Schenson of Linnaeus' house in the V&A (see 72:382 and 72:287).


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMemorials of Linnaeus (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Albumen-silver print from glass negative
Brief description
Emma Schenson (1827-1913); 'Memorials of Linnaeus'; albumen-silver print from glass negative; 1864
Physical description
Photograph, mounted card, showing a portrait painting of Linnaeus plus his hat, walking stick, tea caddy, etc.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18.2cm
  • Width: 14cm
Style
Production typeUnlimited edition
Gallery label
Emma Schenson 1827-1913 Memorials of Linnaeus 1864 Schenson used a portrait of Linnaeus as part of a lively composition. In front of the painting, she placed objects from his daily life: hat, teacup, teapot, tea caddy. A walking stick leans against a chair, as if the celebrated botanist might return at any moment. Hammarby, Sweden Albumen-silver print from glass negative V&A: 72:384
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Subjects depicted
Place depicted
Summary
This photograph was taken at the home of botanist Carl von Linné (known as Linnaeus) at Hammarby near Uppsala, Sweden. Linnaeus devised the first consistent binomial classification system for plants, which is still used, in a modified form, today.

Schenson's practice as a painter (as well as a photographer) is evident here. She used a painting by Johan Henrik Scheffel (dated 1755, and still in Hammarby) as part of a lively composition. She placed objects of the botanist's daily life, such as his hat, teacup, teapot, and tea caddy, with the painting. His walking stick leans against a chair, as if its owner might return at any moment. Schenson also indicates Linnaeus' place in an ancestral portrait gallery, positioning Scheffel's painting so that the sitter's head appears in line with the two female portraits (his wife and his mother, perhaps) on the wall in the background. There are other photographs by Schenson of Linnaeus' house in the V&A (see 72:382 and 72:287).
Collection
Accession number
72384

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Record createdFebruary 7, 2004
Record URL
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