Delivery method: Self-paced online learning. 10 credits

What is the origin of the study of Natural History Illustration? Who were the early illustrators and what motivated them to record the natural world? What can we learn today from these early illustrators?

Course Description

What is the origin of the study of Natural History Illustration? Who were the early illustrators and what motivated them to record the natural world? What can we learn today from these early illustrators? 
This module turns the clock back to the source and the early boom of this genre. Either knowingly or unknowingly, illustrators throughout the ages have recorded the human impact on the planet, many historic illustrations of insects, plants and animals are the only record we have of now extinct species. Is this study as relevant today? 
Journey through this fascinating story and study one artist that resonates with your personal interest. This module will include a short compare and contrast assessment and a final project. Topics covered will include; the Apothecaries, Robert Hooke’s Micrographia: the first major work to be published by the Royal Society and sparked public interest in the unseen miniature world; medicinal plants, habitats and presentation.