12438 Johannes Jonstonus (1603–1675) – Turkeys, Pheasants, and Guinea Fowl – Copper engraving (1650)
"Gallopavo Mas cum Oryza". This ornithological plate displays five birds belonging to the order Galliformes, showcasing species from the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. The top figure is a male wild turkey with a fanned tail, labeled as a "Welsh hen" due to early naming conventions for exotic fowl. Below it is a female turkey, followed by two varieties of pheasants (Phasianus) with their characteristic long tail feathers. The small speckled bird on the right is a guinea fowl, identified as "Gallina Africana". The engraving is highly detailed, capturing the intricate patterns of the plumage and the distinct anatomical features of each bird. This plate was published in Frankfurt as part of the influential series Historiae Naturalis de Avibus.
Johannes Jonstonus 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 most significant contribution was the Historiae Naturalis, a massive multivolume compendium that synthesized the zoological knowledge of his time, drawing from both classical sources and contemporary observations. Jonstonus collaborated with the renowned Merian family of engravers, particularly Matthäus Merian the Younger, to produce high-quality illustrations that set a new standard for natural history publishing. His work remained the primary reference for European zoology until the more systematic classifications of Linnaeus in the eighteenth century.
Artist or Maker: Johannes Jonstonus.
Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: Copper 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 | 400 - 500 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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