Big bang: de verbeelding van het universum

Abstract

"Imagining the Universe" takes as its starting point man's fascination with the cosmos and how this is reflected in the visual arts and philosophy up to the 19th century. A symbolic introduction to man's fascination with the universe is followed in the exhibition trail by various answers formulated in the course of history to the fundamental questions about our origins. The focus is on the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Themes covered include religion, mythology, astrology and accurate observations of the firmament. This exhibition portrays the enduring wonder and constant search for insights into the origins of the universe and mankind in this immeasurable system. The selected masterpieces from national and international collections then show how, across time, space and cultures, broad answers to various, fundamental questions about the origin of man have been conceived, expressed, represented, embraced and rejected.