Lion-tailed Macaque - A Portrait of Wild Majesty Engraved, circa 1850
€ 230
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1850
Sheet size
25 × 18.3 cm (9.8 × 7.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13674-46
Condition
Good. Original old handcoloring on handpressed paper. A few brown spots in the top right and some soiling overall due to age, adding to its patina. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This 19th-century coloured engraving, a creation of the German School, portrays the distinctive Lion-tailed Macaque, scientifically referred to as 'Simia silenus'.
Artist J.C. Bock has masterfully captured the essence of this unique primate with a precision and vibrancy that is characteristic of the diverse artistry of the era. The engraving is steeped in the scientific curiosity of its time, depicting the macaque with its signature lion-like tail and a mane of silver-grey. It sits contemplatively in its environment, which is suggested with minimalistic detail, allowing the viewer to focus on the intricate textures of its fur and the expressive eyes that seem to reflect a deep intelligence.
This work is not just a representation of wildlife; it is an intersection of art and science, an enduring legacy from the 19th century that continues to inspire wonder in the natural world.