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Antique Engraving of a Horse (Equus Caballus Linn.), drawn by Borifow, ca.1800
$270 (£205, €240)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1800
- Size
- 11.3 × 8.6 in (28.7 × 21.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition with mild age toning and light handling marks consistent with age. Strong impression on laid paper with wide margins and visible plate mark. Slight binding traces along the left edge, otherwise clean and well preserved.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Mammals
- Reference
- f_46978172
Antique Engraving of a Horse (Equus Caballus Linn.), drawn by Borifow, engraved by J.C. Bock, circa 1800
This finely detailed zoological engraving depicts a horse (Equus Caballus Linn.), drawn by Borifow and engraved by J.C. Bock around 1800. The print is a superb example of early 19th-century German natural history illustration, uniting scientific precision with elegant artistic execution.
The horse is shown standing gracefully in profile within a natural landscape of low vegetation and distant hills. Borifow’s drawing captures the animal’s anatomy with accuracy and sensitivity, the defined musculature, gentle posture, and alert expression convey both power and refinement. Bock’s expert engraving brings these qualities to life through finely graded lines and delicate shading that lend the image depth and texture.
The Latin title Equus Caballus Linn. follows the Linnaean system of classification, referring to the domestic horse, one of the most studied and celebrated animals in natural history. Such engravings were created for comprehensive zoological publications of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many associated with scholars like Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. These works aimed to document all known species of mammals with scientific accuracy and artistic grace, embodying the Enlightenment ideal of observing and classifying nature.
This plate exemplifies the harmonious balance between observation and aesthetics that defines the best natural history art of its era. Its elegant composition and technical mastery make it a timeless representation of one of humankind’s closest animal companions.
Condition report:
Good condition with mild age toning and light handling marks consistent with age. Strong impression on laid paper with wide margins and visible plate mark. Slight binding traces along the left edge, otherwise clean and well preserved.
Framing tips:
A cream or ivory mat enhances the soft tones of the paper, while a walnut or dark oak frame emphasizes the engraving’s classical character. For a refined presentation, a double mat with a fine brown or gold inner line adds subtle distinction.
Technique: Engraving on laid paper
Delineator: Borifow
Engraver: J.C. Bock
Maker: German, circa 1800
