Set of 3 Antique Quadruped Anatomy Engravings, Buffon Scientific Plates 1769

Set of 3 Antique Quadruped Anatomy Engravings, Buffon Scientific Plates 1769

This fascinating set of three 18th-century anatomical engravings comes from the rare Dutch edition of Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle, published in Amsterdam by J.H. Schneider in 1769. Drawn by Jacques de Sève, Buffon’s principal illustrator, these plates (Pl. XXVI, Pl. XXVII and Pl. XXVIII of Tome XI) present an extraordinary anatomical study of a large quadruped, likely the bison or wild ox, showing its underside, internal organs, and complete articulated skeleton. Together they form a richly detailed scientific sequence that beautifully combines Enlightenment-era research with refined copperplate artistry.

The first plate, Pl. XXVII, offers a precise examination of the lower anatomy, showing the underside, tail, and surrounding musculature with crisp linework and carefully labelled features. De Sève’s engraving captures the anatomical structure with unusual clarity, revealing details rarely depicted in natural history engraving of this period. The textures of hide, hair and skin folds are rendered with expert shading, making the sheet striking both as a scientific reference and as a graphic artwork.

The second plate, Pl. XXVI, presents a dramatic view of the internal organs, drawn with the same sensitivity and precision. The curvature of the digestive structures and the organic weight of the tissues are conveyed through subtle, sculptural cross-hatching. As with all Buffon anatomical plates, the aim was both accuracy and legibility, and this engraving exemplifies the Enlightenment effort to make biological knowledge visually accessible.

The third plate, Pl. XXVIII, features the complete skeleton of the animal standing on a finely engraved pedestal, with mountains and foliage behind. This iconic type of composition, animal skeleton presented as if in a classical museum, was a hallmark of de Sève’s work and remains one of the most admired formats among collectors today. The bones are rendered with precision, from the elongated jaw to the powerful rib cage and hind limbs, creating an elegant and balanced sheet that pairs beautifully with the two more intimate anatomical studies.

Sets of Buffon anatomical engravings are increasingly scarce, especially when kept together as an original group. These three plates form a naturally complementary trio, offering a comprehensive and visually impressive progression from surface anatomy to interior structures and finally to the full skeletal form. Together they make an exceptional display for libraries, studies, offices, medical or veterinary spaces, and modern interiors seeking refined scientific art.

Condition report:

Very good for age. Light marginal toning, minor foxing, and a few small handling marks typical of 18th-century paper. Strong impressions with clear plate marks. Paper remains crisp and well preserved. No tears or repairs noted.

Framing tips:

These engravings present beautifully as a matched set of three, either horizontally in a row or vertically in a column. Use identical mats, ivory, warm cream or pale grey, and simple black, walnut or natural oak frames. Floating mounts also work extremely well, emphasising the wide margins and plate marks.

Keywords:

Buffon anatomy engravings

Amsterdam 1769 natural history

Jacques de Sève

copperplate scientific prints

quadruped skeleton plate

18th century zoology art

veterinary anatomy prints

museum quality illustrations

antique biological studies

Enlightenment natural history