Mammals · 19th century
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
condition with some foxing and age-related wear, consistent with its age and due to handling over 200 years, adding to its patina. Original hand-coloured. Study the images carefully.
1805 Handcolored Engraving of Unique Mammals from Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder"
This captivating handcolored engraving from 1805 showcases five distinctive mammals: the Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), the Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus), the Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), the Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), and the North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). Each animal is depicted with remarkable detail, highlighting their unique adaptations such as scales, spines, and armor.
This plate is part of Friedrich Johann Bertuch's renowned "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), a 12-volume educational encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830 in Weimar, Germany. Bertuch's work is celebrated for its blend of scientific accuracy and artistic beauty, making natural history accessible to young readers during the Enlightenment.
Collectors of zoological art or 19th-century natural history prints will appreciate the charm and rarity of this engraving. Its vibrant hand-coloring and intricate details reflect the fascination with the diversity of the animal kingdom during this period.
Condition: Good condition with minor foxing and slight age toning, consistent with its age. Top margin a bit short.
Keywords: Armadillo, Pangolin, Porcupine, Bertuch, Bilderbuch für Kinder, 19th-century engraving, natural history, handcolored print, unique mammals.
