11476 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of a Dromedary and a Camel – Engraving (1650)
"Dromedarius. Camelus." This engraving presents two detailed studies of camelids, illustrating a dromedary and a Bactrian camel. The upper portion of the plate shows a dromedary from a rear three-quarter perspective, highlighting its single hump and slender limbs as it stands on a sparse, grassy patch of earth. Below, a Bactrian camel is depicted in a resting pose, wearing a decorative bridle and showcasing its characteristic thick, woolly coat and dual humps. The work is characterized by the fine line work and anatomical detail typical of seventeenth-century natural history illustration. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, a monumental encyclopedic work that served as a foundational record of global fauna for scholars 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, documenting the natural world with unprecedented breadth. The plates for his works were produced in the renowned workshop of Matthäus Merian, known for combining technical precision with artistic quality. Jonston's contributions were vital in the transition from medieval bestiaries to more empirical biological documentation, significantly influencing later naturalists like Carl Linnaeus. His legacy is defined by his commitment to organizing vast amounts of zoological data into a systematic and visually accessible 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.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
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