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Sebastian Bolesch

©

Art & Science

Multiple dates

The new Barberini Studio regularly hosts exciting art talks on current topics related to art in the museum.

Thu, November 13, 5:30 p.m.
Unicorns in the Apothecary: Between Magic and Medicine
Prof. (ret.) Dr. Bettina Wahrig, historian of pharmacy and science, Technical University of Braunschweig

Numerous accounts and pictorial representations of the unicorn have been handed down through history. The “unicorn” also appeared in pharmacopoeias and even had a price—so was it real or not? As early as the 16th century, it had become known that the horns kept in cabinets of curiosities and sometimes crafted into valuable art objects actually came from other animals. Nevertheless, physicians could prescribe “unicorn” as an ingredient in medical recipes, and customers could request it. Exactly what it was used for will be shown through examples. In this sense, “unicorn” was a pharmaceutical in several ways: the word can mean not only “remedy,” “poison,” or even “dye,” but also “magical substance.” By the end of the lecture, the question arises: Has the modern pharmaceutical been completely disenchanted—or does a mythical creature still haunt it unnoticed?

Thu, November 28, 5:30 p.m.
Thu, January 29, 5:30 p.m.
Woman and Unicorn
Ira Oppermann, Art Historian

For centuries, the unicorn has fascinated people as a mythical creature. Its recurring connection with the female figure is particularly striking. But what lies behind this mysterious relationship? This lecture invites you on a journey through centuries and cultures. It sheds light on the complex meanings attributed to this mythical creature in connection with women—from religious allegories to feminist interpretations. The diversity of representations shows how the unicorn reflects social ideas of femininity. In the 20th century, female artists opened up entirely new perspectives in their exploration of this motif.

Thu, December 11, 5:30 p.m.
Unicorns in Economy
Daniel Breitinger, Bitkom e.V.

Not only in art, but also elsewhere, unicorns can be found – for example in the field of economy. Here, there are companies that are referred to as unicorns.
This lecture takes a look at what these unicorns are all about, how to identify them and what role they play in a market economy. Daniel Breitinger talks about unicorns that have their headquarters in Germany, what sets them apart and the environment in which they operate.

Thu, January 22, 5:30 p.m.
In cooperation with the Gay Museum, Berlin
Unicorn in the Mirror
Dr. Marian Wild, art historian, author, curator

The unicorn is an as enigmatic as fascinating animal. For thousands of years, it has captured the imagination of people in legends, imagery, and dreams, from ancient times to the internet. Its form reflects the longings and ideas of those who behold it: Is it a vain animal, a children's fairy tale, a shy horse, or a symbol of sexuality? In this lecture, Marian Wild explores various facets of the unicorn, with a special focus on references to queer culture, and questions their meaning.

Duration
60 minutes

Costs
€ 10
The ticket allows you to visit the museum one hour before the start of the event.

Meeting point:
Foyer

Location
Barberini Studio, Humboldtstr. 4, 14467 Potsdam; next to the museum

Dates and tickets