Regarding the exhibition “Illustrated Natures. The Van Berkhey Collection of the National Museum of Natural Sciences” held at the MNCN.CSIC

Abstract

The collection known as the Van Berkhey collection, which is kept in the Archive of the National Museum of Natural Sciences, was purchased by the Crown in 1785: a king who was fond of Science (https://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/galeria-on-line/galeria-on-line/obra/carlos-iii-nino/), a Secretary of State and of the Office who wanted to enlighten Spanish society, a multifaceted Spanish Consul in Amsterdam and a Director of one of the best Natural History Cabinets, undertook the task of acquiring the Natural History collection of the Dutch doctor Johannes Le Francq van Berkhey, one of the most famous in Europe at the time.