11478 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of a Bison, an Elk, and a Sheep – Engraving (1650)
"Taurus Peonius. Alces. Alce Elend geschlecht." This engraving presents a vertical study of three large herbivores from different geographical regions. The top panel depicts a Taurus Peonius, a massive bison-like creature with a thick, shaggy mane and curved horns, shown in a powerful standing profile. The middle panel features an Alces, or elk, characterized by its long legs and distinctive snout, rendered with fine cross-hatching to define its muscular form. The bottom panel illustrates a domestic sheep with long, wavy wool and a prominent beard, standing before a minimal landscape that includes two small human figures in the background. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, an ambitious seventeenth-century project to catalog the known species of the animal kingdom.
Jan Jonston was a Polish-born physician and naturalist of Scottish descent who authored some of the most influential scientific texts of the seventeenth century. His encyclopedic Theatrum series covered quadrupeds, birds, insects, and fish, serving as a standard reference for naturalists for over a hundred years. The plates for his works were produced in the prestigious workshop of Matthäus Merian, known for combining high artistic quality with technical precision. Jonston's work played a critical role in transitioning zoological study from medieval lore to empirical documentation. His systematic organization of animal species significantly impacted later biological classification systems, including those developed by Carl Linnaeus.
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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