Mammals · 18th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition Report : Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, especially on the right border. no text on verso. Colors remain well preserved. Please review images carefully.
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Kangaroo, Jerboas, and Bilby, Quadruped XXI, c.1800
This original handcolored copperplate engraving depicts various marsupials and small mammals, showcasing their distinct anatomical features and ecological adaptations. The plate is part of Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), a renowned 12-volume encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830, celebrated for its educational and artistic significance.
The engraving includes:
1. A jerboa (*Dipodidae*), shown leaping with its characteristic long tail and hind legs (Fig. 1a).
2. A kangaroo rat (*Dipodomys*), depicted in a foraging position (Fig. 2).
3. A bilby (*Macrotis lagotis*), with its long ears and bushy tail, showcasing its burrowing adaptations (Fig. 3).
4. A kangaroo (*Macropus*), prominently displayed with its powerful hind legs and upright posture (Fig. 4).
5. Another jerboa species, standing near vegetation (Fig. 1b).
This beautifully detailed engraving highlights the diversity of these unique mammals, making it a valuable addition to collections of natural history art, antique prints, or zoological illustrations.
Condition Report:
Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, no text on verso. Vibrant hand coloring remains intact. Please review images carefully.
