Mammals · 19th century
€ 110
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Margins lightly toned, scattered foxing spots, hand-colouring well preserved, minor edge wear, no major damage or tears. Some light offsetting. Study the images carefully.
1823 Hand-Coloured Engraving - Gauchos Lassoing Cattle in Buenos Aires, Argentina
This 1823 hand-coloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" ("Picture Book for Children") depicts a scene from one of the outdoor slaughterhouses in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The image provides an authentic glimpse into the lives and practices of Native American gauchos, who were skilled horsemen known for their prowess in cattle herding and butchery across the vast plains of the Pampas.
The engraving captures a dynamic moment, with a gaucho on horseback skillfully lassoing a cow. Another gaucho sits mounted on his horse, observing the activity, while in the background, cattle are being prepared and butchered. The rural landscape is bustling with activity, as oxen-pulled carts transport goods, and a woman stands by a wooden structure, observing the busy scene. The cityscape of Buenos Aires, with its recognizable domes and skyline, stretches out in the distance, providing a context for the activities taking place in the countryside.
The gauchos, often considered the cowboys of South America, played a crucial role in the development of the Argentine livestock industry. This engraving illustrates not only their daily work but also their importance in Argentine history and culture. Gauchos were emblematic of freedom, skill, and a deep connection to the land, traits that are captured in this vibrant depiction.
Bertuch’s "Bilderbuch für Kinder" was an educational encyclopedia published from 1790 to 1830 in twelve volumes, featuring nearly 1,200 engraved plates. The collection aimed to educate children on diverse subjects, including natural history, world cultures, and science, by using beautifully illustrated images like this one.
Condition report: Margins lightly toned, scattered foxing spots, hand-colouring well preserved, minor edge wear, no major damage or tears.
