Art worth $4.7 million donated to School of Humanities by various sources over past 2 years

Historical maps, botanical illustrations, watercolors and prints valued at $4.7 million have been donated to UCI’s School of Humanities by various sources during the past two years. Pieces of the collection not only are on display but have been incorporated into art, history and art history classes. “Over my career, I have found that historic art like that donated to the school can play an important role in students’ ability, literally, to see how past representations have shaped our current perceptions of the world,” said Georges Van Den Abbeele, dean of the School of Humanities. Highlights of the collection include: Audubon-style depictions of birds by John Cassin, a Lewis & Clark diagram of the western United States, and renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius’ stretched-out view of America. “We are incredibly grateful to our community of donors for giving our students the opportunity to experience world-class art directly in the context of their learning and university experience,” Van Den Abbeele said.