11475 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Studies of Snakes and Sea Serpents – Engraving (1650)
"Cherfydrus Greuini Hydrus Natrix. Natrix Torquata. Natrix Rubetaria. Natrix Rubetaria sceleton. Serpens Marinus." This engraving features five distinct herpetological illustrations, focusing on various serpent species and their anatomy. The upper portion of the plate displays three snakes in undulating poses, showcasing different scale patterns and head shapes, followed by a detailed rendering of a serpentine skeleton. The bottom of the composition is dominated by a large, coiled sea serpent with a prominent, almost mammalian head and bared teeth, reflecting the seventeenth-century blend of empirical observation and folkloric maritime tradition. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, a monumental encyclopedic work that served as a primary reference for naturalists across Europe for over a century.
Jan Jonston 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 encyclopedic Theatrum series covered quadrupeds, birds, insects, and fish, documenting the natural world with unprecedented breadth. The plates for his works were produced in the renowned workshop of Matthäus Merian, known for combining technical precision with artistic quality. Jonston's contributions were vital in the transition from medieval bestiaries to more empirical biological documentation, significantly influencing later naturalists like Carl Linnaeus. His legacy is defined by his commitment to organizing vast amounts of zoological data into a systematic and visually accessible format.
Artist or Maker: Jan Jonston.
Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: 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.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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