12492 Robert Benard (1734–1777) – Comparative Study of Bat Species – Engraving (1791)
"Le Spectre. Le Spasme. Le Perspicillatus. La Feuille. La Cephalote. La Roussette." This eighteenth-century engraving provides a scientific examination of various bat species, focusing on their distinct cranial and wing morphologies. The upper register depicts two bats in flight, showcasing the intricate venation and skeletal structure of the dactylopatagium (wing membrane). The lower register features detailed studies of bats at rest and close-up views of facial features, specifically highlighting the diverse nose-leaf structures and ear shapes that characterize different genera. This plate was published in Paris as part of the quadruped section of the Encyclopedie Methodique, an ambitious scholarly project directed by Charles-Joseph Panckoucke.
Robert Benard was a prolific French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations. He served as the primary director for the engraving of the monumental plates for Diderot and d’Alembert’s Encyclopedie, and later for the Encyclopedie Methodique. His work is characterized by a high degree of precision and systematic clarity, which was essential for the taxonomic classification of the animal kingdom during the eighteenth century. Benard’s massive output of thousands of copperplates significantly influenced the visual language of science and helped standardize the representation of natural history across Europe.
Artist or Maker: Robert Benard.
Dimensions: Approximately 29 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1791.
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 | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
Dahlströms Rare Prints
Harju maakond, Tallinn
Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
Estland
info@dahlstromsrareprints.com
© Software Copyright 2026 Skeleton. All rights reserved.