Born in 1574, Jón Guðmundsson grew up in the West Fjords; he was naturally curious and observant. Despite lacking a formal education, he eagerly absorbed knowledge from books and gained the nickname “the Learned.” He was a scholar, a manuscript writer, a skilled craftsman and a healer, and he probably had a reputation for supernatural powers. Jón’s writings combine ancient cultural heritage, popular lore and scholarship.
This exhibition provides a glimpse into his manuscript, “Natural History of Iceland,” which was the first Icelandic publication dedicated to describing the country’s nature. Jón’s realistic depictions of various whale species, particularly those inhabiting the Arctic Ocean such as beluga and narwhal, are considered the earliest surviving records of their physical appearance.
This exhibition is made in collaboration with the Husavik Museum, which houses the regional Natural History Collection along with a heritage exhibition, Maritime Museum, District Archives, Photography Collection, and the regional Art Collection.
English manuscript translated by Viðar Hreinsson and Vicky Szabo.
The exhibition received an allocation from the Icelandic Museum Council's fund.