Comparison of Human and Primate Skulls, Lithograph by C.C. Last, 1836
€ 360
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1836
Sheet size
32.2 × 26 cm (12.7 × 10.2 in)
Reference
BG-13176-42
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.
Condition
Good, given age. Light foxing / soiling. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
About this sheet
This lithograph, titled Schedels (Skulls), is another detailed work by Carel Christiaan Antony Last from Heinrich Rudolf Schinz's Volledige Natuurlijke Historie der Zoogdieren (1836). Published by S. de Visser en Zoon, the lithograph showcases a comparison of human and primate skulls, emphasizing the anatomical similarities and differences between species.
The top row of the illustration depicts human skulls, labeled as "van eenen Europeaan" (European), "van een Chinees" (Chinese), and "van een Neger" (African), reflecting 19th-century racial categories, which are now outdated and considered scientifically incorrect. These skulls are positioned to compare cranial structure and shape, a common practice in comparative anatomy during this period.
Below the human skulls, the lithograph transitions to non-human primate skulls, showing various species, including the Pongo (orangutan), langbaardigen brulaap (long-bearded howler monkey), olijfkleurigen dikbuik (olive-colored pot-bellied monkey), jongen Pongo of Orang Oetang (young orangutan), and jongen Mandril (young mandrill). The diversity in skull structures across primate species is evident, with each species exhibiting unique characteristics, such as variations in jaw size, dental arrangement, and cranial capacity.
The final row includes skulls of the gouden Sionis (golden lion tamarin), the volwassenen Mandril (adult mandrill), and other primate species, offering a broader comparison across age and species. The meticulous rendering of the skulls highlights the intricate details of each species, contributing to both scientific knowledge and the aesthetic value of the illustration.
This plate serves as a visual tool for understanding the evolutionary connections between humans and primates, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with comparative anatomy and the emerging field of anthropology.
