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Intriguing 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Unique Mammals and Skeleton
£120 ($155, €140)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1805
- Size
- 9.1 × 7.5 in (23 × 19 cm)
- Condition
- Light toning with minor foxing along the edges; a few brown spots but the hand-coloring remains vivid and beautifully executed over 200 years ago. Please study the images carefully.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- Bertuch
- Section
- Mammals
- Reference
- f_42873632
Title: Intriguing 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Unique Mammals and Skeleton from Bertuch
Description:
This fascinating hand-colored engraving, sourced from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s *Porte-Feuille des Enfants* (Children's Portfolio), published in 1805, showcases rare and unusual mammals alongside a detailed skeletal depiction, blending scientific study with artistic craftsmanship.
The engraving depicts:
- Fig. 1: A sleek aardvark (*Orycteropus afer*), known for its specialized snout and burrowing behavior.
- Fig. 2: A kiwi bird (*Apteryx australis*), a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, with its long beak and worm-like prey.
- Fig. 3: A sloth bear (*Melursus ursinus*), resting with its distinctive snout and shaggy coat, highlighting its unique foraging adaptations.
- Fig. 4: A skeletal study, likely representing the sloth bear or another large mammal, meticulously labeled to provide insight into its anatomy.
This plate reflects the Enlightenment-era passion for cataloging and understanding the diversity of life forms. Bertuch’s work served to educate young readers about the natural world, combining detailed zoological observations with vivid hand-coloring.
Collectors of natural history prints or those with an interest in rare animals will find this engraving both scientifically intriguing and visually striking, making it ideal for study or display.
Condition: Light toning and minor foxing along the edges; the hand-coloring remains vivid and sharply detailed.
