Seeking the Unknown, part 2

03/25/13 • 5 min

Langlois discusses the careers of the Prat Brothers, Jean and Louis, who sent botanical samples and information from Louisiana to France for nearly 20 years. The exhibition Seeking the Unknown: Natural History Observations in Louisiana, 1698—1840 presents objects that provide a broad historical background for the study of Louisiana’s natural history—from taxidermied animals, specimens in jars, and pressed plants to lavishly illustrated folios.

Previous Episode

Seeking the Unknown, part 1

In this segment personalities and motives of the official and unofficial botanists and other naturalists are discussed by the curators. The exhibition Seeking the Unknown: Natural History Observations in Louisiana, 1698—1840 presents objects that provide a broad historical background for the study of Louisiana’s natural history—from taxidermied animals, specimens in jars, and pressed plants to lavishly illustrated folios.

Next Episode

Seeking the Unknown, part 3

Langlois presents some thoughts on the dual motives for studying the natural environment in French colonial Louisiana: profit and knowledge. The exhibition Seeking the Unknown: Natural History Observations in Louisiana, 1698—1840 presents objects that provide a broad historical background for the study of Louisiana’s natural history—from taxidermied animals, specimens in jars, and pressed plants to lavishly illustrated folios.