11474 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of Slugs and Parasitic Worms – Engraving (1650)
"Vermes Arborei Holtzwürm Mouf. Vermes Fructuum leguminum Mouf. Vermes Hominum Menschenwürm Aldr. Spulwürm. Limaces Schnecken." This engraving presents a dual-themed zoological study divided into two sections. The upper portion illustrates various parasitic organisms, including small wood-boring larvae and elongated intestinal worms shown in undulating, ribbon-like forms. The lower section features five large, detailed studies of slugs, depicted in various elongated and contracted poses to highlight their dorsal textures, mantles, and sensory tentacles. The work is characterized by the meticulous line work and anatomical focus typical of seventeenth-century scientific illustration. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, serving as a definitive visual record of invertebrate species known to early modern naturalists.
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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