Close-ups
19th-Century Lithograph of the Cape Meerkat and Lalande’s Civet Hyena
$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 some mild age-related toning and slight foxing visible along the margins. The lithographic details remain crisp, preserving the fine textures and shading of the animals.
- Section
- Mammals
- Reference
- f_43892192
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 the Cape Meerkat and Lalande’s Civet Hyena
This detailed 19th-century lithograph showcases two intriguing mammal species: the Cape meerkat (De Kaapsche Suricate) and Lalande’s civet hyena (De Civet-hyæna van Lalande). Originally published in *De Zoogdieren: afgebeeld en in hunne levenswijze geschetst*, this print highlights the meticulous attention to anatomical accuracy and scientific classification characteristic of early zoological studies.
The Cape meerkat (Suricata suricatta), native to southern Africa, is a highly social, burrowing species belonging to the mongoose family. Known for its sentry behavior, where individuals stand upright to scan for predators, meerkats are widely recognized for their cooperative group dynamics. The civet hyena, likely inspired by the aardwolf (Proteles cristata), is a small insectivorous relative of hyenas that inhabits grasslands in southern and eastern Africa. Unlike true hyenas, it primarily feeds on termites and has a much more solitary nature.
Created by C.C. G. Zool. and printed by La Haye & J. L. G. V., this lithograph remains a valuable piece for collectors of antique zoological prints, natural history enthusiasts, and those interested in early scientific depictions of African wildlife.
Keywords: 19th Century, Lithograph, Natural History, Zoology, Cape Meerkat, Suricate, Civet Hyena, Aardwolf, African Wildlife, Scientific Illustration, Antique Print, Animal Engraving, Wildlife Art, Taxonomy, Netherlands, La Haye, J.L.G.V.
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Condition Summary:
The print is in good condition, with some mild age-related toning and slight foxing visible along the margins. The lithographic details remain crisp, preserving the fine textures and shading of the animals. Some minor irregularities along the edges due to past binding are present, but there are no significant tears or folds. The overall quality of the artwork is well-maintained, making it highly collectible.
Framing Tips:
To best showcase this lithograph, use an acid-free mat in a soft neutral shade to complement the natural tones of the aged paper. A dark wooden or black frame will enhance the contrast, drawing attention to the fine shading. UV-protective glass is recommended to prevent fading over time. If displayed alongside other lithographs from the same series, matching frames will help create a cohesive and refined collection.
