Close-ups
19th-Century Lithograph of Egyptian Mongoose, Dark Mongoose, and Ringtail Marten
$325 (£245, €290)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- Not stated
- Size
- 12.7 × 10.2 in (32.2 × 26 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The print is in good condition, with minor age-related toning and light foxing primarily along the margins. The lithographic details remain crisp, highlighting the rich textures of the animals' fur and anatomical accuracy.
- Section
- Mammals
- Reference
- f_43892062
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
19th-Century Lithograph of Egyptian Mongoose, Dark Mongoose, and Ringtail Marten
This exceptional 19th-century lithograph features three unique members of the mustelid and herpestid families: the Egyptian mongoose (De Egyptische Ichneumon), the dark-colored mongoose (De donkerkleurige Mango), and the ring-tailed marten (De rolstaart Marter). Originally published in 'De Zoogdieren: afgebeeld en in hunne levenswijze geschetst', this print showcases the attention to detail and scientific precision characteristic of early zoological studies.
The Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), native to North Africa and parts of the Mediterranean, is known for its role in controlling snake populations and its historical association with ancient Egyptian mythology. The dark-colored mongoose, likely a reference to species within the 'Herpestes' genus, is found across Africa and Asia, recognized for its adaptability and social behavior. The ring-tailed marten, possibly inspired by the cacomistle ('Bassariscus sumichrasti'), is native to Central America and is known for its distinctive curled tail and arboreal lifestyle.
Created by C.C. G. Zool. and printed by La Haye & J. L. G. V., this lithograph is a valuable piece for collectors of antique zoological prints, wildlife illustrations, and historical natural history documentation.
Keywords: 19th Century, Lithograph, Natural History, Zoology, Egyptian Mongoose, Dark Mongoose, Ringtail Marten, Scientific Illustration, Antique Print, Animal Engraving, Wildlife Art, Taxonomy, Netherlands, La Haye, J.L.G.V.
Condition Summary:
The print is in good condition, with minor age-related toning and light foxing primarily along the margins. The lithographic details remain crisp, highlighting the rich textures of the animals' fur and anatomical accuracy. The edges have slight irregularities from historical binding, but there are no major tears or folds. The overall integrity of the print is well-preserved, making it an excellent collectible.
---
Framing Tips: For an elegant presentation, use an acid-free mat in a light neutral shade to enhance the fine details. A dark wooden or black frame will create a strong contrast, emphasizing the rich shading of the illustrations. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the lithograph’s quality. If displayed alongside other natural history prints, uniform framing will help maintain a cohesive and sophisticated collection.
