Mammals
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. Strong paper. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
Interesting original rare hand-colored print of two animals, but maybe wrong names have been used at the time.
It seems there might be a mix-up in the species names or terminology provided. Arctonyx collaris refers to the Hog Badger, a mustelid species native to Southeast Asia. The plate depicts Arctonyx collaris, or the ‘Bali- Soar’ (original descriped in the genus and
species by Cuvier in Geoffroy & Cuvier, 1825). We may regard Arctonyx collaris as the original name for the larger Arctonyx species of mainland
Asia.
However, "Ursus lablatus" doesn’t correspond to any known bear species under that scientific name.
The genus Ursus does encompass various bear species, including the American black bear (Ursus americanus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), polar bear (Ursus maritimus), and others. However, "lablatus" doesn't align with any recognized bear species name within the Ursus genus.
Made by F.J. Desmares after Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez (1778-1856).
Engraving with original hand colouring, heightened with arabic gum on wove (vellin) paper.
More info on the book in which it was published:
The 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century natural sciences. Published in Brussels in 1845, this work represents an expansive collation of knowledge, building upon the pioneering works of Buffon, Daubenton, Lacepede, Cuvier, de Jussieu, and other influential naturalists.
The prints within this compendium likely showcase a rich amalgamation of artistic precision and scientific accuracy. Drapiez, himself a Belgian naturalist, would have aimed for detailed representations of flora, fauna, and scientific phenomena, mirroring the illustrative styles prevalent during his time. Given the era's emphasis on illustration, these prints were likely engraved meticulously, possibly portraying intricate anatomical details or lifelike depictions of the natural world.
With Drapiez's background in natural history, the prints might bear testament to his commitment to scientific authenticity, aiming to educate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike. These engravings would have complemented the text, offering visual aids that elucidate the concepts and specimens discussed in the volume.
Overall, the prints of 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' likely serve as both artistic representations and invaluable scientific resources, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century natural history exploration and documentation.
