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C1982-1304
Print: "Descriptive Catalogue of the
C1982-1304

Print: "Descriptive Catalogue of the

Date1795-1807
DimensionsOH: 17 3/4" OW: 11 3/8".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1957-90
DescriptionBroadside print. A listing of all the things that were being exhibited in the Museum. See list.
Label TextBy the late 18th century, exhibitions of curiosities were quite popular. This satirical print shows such an exhibit with its preserved reptiles in jars, a crocodile, birds, insects, and an ancient stone relic.

Founded by Daniel Bowen in 1795, the Columbian Museum in Boston housed a vast collection of artworks, wax figures, and natural specimens. This advertisement informed the public about what they would encounter upon visiting the museum, including, “a great variety of Natural & Artificial Curiosities; among which are, Upwards of 200 American and English Birds, Beasts, Reptiles and Insects.”