Encounters with Non-Western Cultures
The Sennert Student Georg Markgraf from Liebstadt in Saxonia went to Dutch Brazil via Leiden. He was a researcher of botany, astronomy, and zoology. Not many of the 17th century Europeans had wish or opportunity to explore the New World of the Americas, but the society as a whole got more and more interested in its treasures, especially those that tickled curiosity, advanced science, or simply could be sold for profit. The burgeoning cabinets of curiosity among bourgeoisy and nobility of the time are witness to this raising new taste, by including samples of the riches of the New World.