Carnegie Discoverers: Looking Closely: Lessons from the Carnegie’s “Natural History Art” Collection

Deirdre M. Smith, Teaching Assistant Professor of Museum Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Assistant Curator, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

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 CMNH used these funds to build an eccentric collection of hundreds of prints, drawings, paintings, photographs, and archival ephemera by CMNH 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.

This is a Carnegie Discoverers meeting. Membership to the Carnegie Discoverers opens doors to in-depth and up-close experiences with scientists, exhibition designers, and program directors across the museum. Become a member today to enjoy exclusive access to all the world-class scientific and educational treasures that Carnegie Museum of Natural History has to offer. Learn more about Carnegie Discoverers and how to join.