Abstract

The Polish scientist Ignacy Domeyko made his name in historiography primarily as the founder of mineralogy in Chile, as one of the reformers of the Chilean National Institute, and as the successor to Andres Bello as rector of the Universidad de Chile. The aim of this study is to analyse Domeyko's connections with art, which have been hitherto poorly researched. This area of his activity, which was permanently linked to Chile since 1838, was reflected primarily in his drawings, interest in art and collection of works of art, as well as in his efforts to promote artistic education in Chile and his views on the function of art in social life.