12570 John Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of Diverse Tropical and Mythological Bird - Engraving (1650–1653)
"Tangara, Curucui, Aracari, and Ipecati Apa" illustrates a wide variety of bird species, largely based on accounts of fauna from the Americas and other distant lands. The composition features thirteen distinct avian figures, including recognizable types like the toucan-like "Aracari" and various songbirds, alongside more enigmatic depictions such as the "Pullus galli monstrosis," a wingless, four-legged creature reflecting the inclusion of biological anomalies common in 17th-century natural histories. This copper engraving was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the influential work Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, printed by Matthäus Merian. The series represents a significant effort in the mid-seventeenth century to compile and categorize the known animal kingdom, combining early scientific exploration with traditional folklore.
John Jonston, also known as Joannes Jonstonus, was a Polish physician and natural historian of Scottish descent who became one of the most prolific encyclopedists of the Baroque era. He studied at various European universities, including St Andrews, Leiden, and Cambridge, before settling in Silesia to practice medicine and write his monumental natural history series. His work was characterized by a systematic approach to botany, zoology, and mineralogy, often drawing upon the earlier research of scholars like Conrad Gessner and Ulisse Aldrovandi. Jonston's publications remained standard reference texts for nearly a century, valued for their comprehensive nature and the high quality of the illustrations produced by the Merian workshop.
Artist or Maker: John Jonston.
Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: (1650–1653).
DA_D1_2026-03-11_15
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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