11473 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of Insects and Larvae – Engraving (1650)
"Muscae. Vermes arboreae Xylophthori Aldr. Phalangium. Glabrae. Erucae. Chrysalis." This engraving presents an extensive entomological study featuring dozens of individual specimens, primarily focusing on the developmental stages of various insects. The upper portion of the plate illustrates mature flies, spiders, and beetles alongside their respective pupae and cocoons. The lower two-thirds of the composition is dedicated to a diverse array of larvae and caterpillars, shown in various states of movement and anatomical detail, including smooth-bodied, segmented, and hirsute varieties. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the "Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium," a foundational seventeenth-century encyclopedia of the natural world. It exemplifies the early scientific effort to categorize the lifecycle and morphological diversity of the insect kingdom during the Baroque period.
Jan Jonston was a Polish-born physician and naturalist of Scottish descent who became one of the most widely read scientific authors of the seventeenth century. His encyclopedic "Theatrum" series covered quadrupeds, birds, insects, and fish, serving as a standard reference for naturalists across Europe for over a century. The plates for his works were produced in the renowned workshop of Matthäus Merian, known for technical precision and artistic quality. Jonston's contributions were vital in the transition from medieval bestiaries to more empirical biological documentation. His work significantly influenced later naturalists, including Carl Linnaeus, by organizing vast amounts of zoological data into a systematic visual format.
Artist or Maker: Jan Jonston.
Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1650.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
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