Cultural aperitif

In the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities humans are counted among the animals. That is why the animal cabinet contains several objects made from human remains, such as foetuses preserved in alcohol, bladder stones and an anatomical wax model. Philipp Wille presents the latest research findings on the objects and explains their place in the 1741 collection.

The current annual exhibition features a small diorama depicting Francke and orphan children performing a »Kurrende«, or charity choir, in front of the orphanage. This fascinating object, which is normally displayed behind closed glass doors in the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities, is one of the more enigmatic items in the collection – although its presence there would seem obvious – and is presented in the annual exhibition on the basis of the latest research by Prof. Dr Holger Zaunstöck.

The model collection is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating parts of the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities. Most of the models of machines, buildings and devices originally belonged to the teaching materials collection of Germany's first secondary school, which was opened by the Halle theologian Christoph Semler in 1707. Curator Tom Gärtig will tell you how the models were used there and why they are now at home in the Francke Foundations.

The figure of the high priest is the last remnant of the four ancient landscape models that once stood in the centre of the art and natural history chamber. The care with which the figure is crafted gives an idea of how meticulously the models corresponded to biblical specifications. In their vividness, the models sought to raise questions about living a godly life in the everyday world. So what might the pomegranates and bells on the hem of the high priest's robe still have to say to us today? Foundation pastor Gabriele Zander has some fascinating details to share about this object.