ANgeSCHNITTen | Handsteine und ihre Bedeutung am Schnittpunkt von Kunst und Naturwissenschaft

Series of events: The manifestation of early modern mining in arts and crafts objects

Hand stones, gilded bowls, tumblers and copper barrel cups from the mining district of Herrengrund, then Lower Austria, now Slovakia, were indispensable in art chambers and natural history cabinets in the early modern period. They were used as representative souvenirs, state gifts and as a sign of status. Today they can be found in many private and public collections. The lecture series pays tribute to these unique works of art and places them in a wider context with three lectures.

PD Dr. Henrike Haug, Institute of Art History at the University of Cologne

Topic: Handstones and their significance at the intersection of art and science

Handstones occupy a special position in mining culture. Particularly high-quality pieces or steps of ore were artistically worked and mounted on silver- or gold-plated bases. Mining scenes are depicted on them, also incorporating religious symbols. These objects, mainly based on silver ore steps, were collected by wealthy citizens or princes from the 17th century onwards and exhibited in their chambers of art and curiosities. In the 18th century, the production of hand stones experienced a revival, which was characterized by the use of other ores. For example, hand stones based on copper ores are known from Herrengrund around 1730. The speaker will describe the relationship between knowledge of the ores and their incorporation into these special art objects.

An event organized by the Association of Friends of the German Mining Museum Bochum (VFKK).

• Costs: Participation free of charge
• Location: German Mining Museum Bochum
• Registration required at: info@vfkk.de or +49 234 5877-164
• Limited number of participants