12500 Cornelis de Bruyn (1652–1726) – Ethnographic Study of Samoyed People and Northern Fauna – Etching (1711)
This etching provides a dual-paneled ethnographic and zoological study from the Russian Arctic. The upper register depicts three indigenous Samoyed (Nenets) figures in traditional fur-lined parkas and distinctive headgear, engaged in conversation near a skin-covered dwelling (chum). A tethered reindeer and a smoking hearth emphasize the nomadic lifestyle of the region. The lower register illustrates two indigenous northern mammals, likely wild sheep or goats, grazing in a mountainous landscape that features several figures in the distance. The work is accompanied by descriptive French text detailing the materials of their clothing and social customs. This plate was published in Amsterdam as part of the travel account Reizen over Moskovie, door Persie en Indie.
Cornelis de Bruyn was a Dutch artist and traveler who gained renown for his highly accurate visual records of the Near East and Russia. He was trained as a painter and used his skills to provide western audiences with detailed depictions of foreign architecture, customs, and natural history. His expeditions were characterized by a commitment to drawing from life, often correcting the inaccuracies of previous explorers. De Bruyn's published volumes remain significant historical resources for their ethnographic and geographical detail.
Artist or Maker: Cornelis de Bruyn.
Dimensions: Approximately 41 cm x 26 cm.
Medium: Etching.
Date: 1711.
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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