Symboles, reliques ou ex-voto d’une nature sacralisée : la nature et ses fossiles dans les illustrations de la Physique sacrée de Johann Jacob Scheuchzer (1732)

Abstract

Symbols, relies or ex-voto of a sacralised nature : Nature and its Fossils in the Illustrations of the Physique sacrée of Johann Jacob Scheuchzer (1732) Initially collected and exhibited for their aesthetic properties, fossils, shells and other natural objects gained in popularity at the end of the 17th century, eventually arousing the interest of euhemerists thinkers like Swiss naturalist Johann Jacob Scheuchzer, especially evident in his famous Physique Sacrée. As empirical echoes of a mythical time, the fantasic roots for a millenary and biblical history, fossils assume a sacred value when depicted in the etching of the Physique Sacrée. Skillfully organized, the numerous etchings of the Physique Sacrée succeed in giving credit to the dual nature of fossils : empirical and biblical. Yet, the book also affirms their wider sacred character, for natural objects are both understood as relics of Creation and masterpieces of the Divine Artist.