12443 Johannes Jonstonus (1603–1675) – Study of Perch-like Fish (Anthias species) – Copper engraving (1650)
"Anthias". This ichthyological plate (Tab. XVI) illustrates seven distinct species of fish, primarily focusing on the genus Anthias and related sea perches. The engraving displays a variety of body shapes, from the slender specimens at the top to the deeper-bodied, more robust examples at the bottom. Notable details include the meticulously rendered spiny dorsal fins, complex scale patterns, and the distinct operculum (gill cover) anatomy characteristic of 17th-century naturalist observations. Several figures are accompanied by names referencing earlier authorities like Rondelet, indicating Jonstonus's role in synthesizing Renaissance marine biology. This plate was published in Frankfurt as part of the encyclopedic series Historiae Naturalis de Piscibus et Cetis.
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.
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