11477 Jan Jonston (1603–1675) – Study of a Rhinoceros – Engraving (1650)
"Rhinoceros. Hornnase Rhinocer." This engraving presents a detailed study of an Indian rhinoceros, depicted in profile standing on a sparse, grassy patch of earth. The rendering emphasizes the thick, armor-like plates of the animal's hide, characteristic of early modern depictions influenced by the famous 1515 woodcut by Albrecht Dürer. The texture of the skin is meticulously illustrated with intricate patterns of scales and folds, highlighting the single prominent horn on the snout and the small secondary horn-like growth on the shoulder. This print was published in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Theatrum Universale Omnium Animalium, a monumental seventeenth-century encyclopedia that aimed to document the diversity of global fauna for a European scholarly audience.
Jan Jonston was a Polish-born physician and naturalist of Scottish descent who authored some of the most influential scientific texts of the seventeenth century. His encyclopedic Theatrum series covered quadrupeds, birds, insects, and fish, serving as a standard reference for naturalists for over a hundred years. The plates for his works were produced in the prestigious workshop of Matthäus Merian, known for combining high artistic quality with technical precision. Jonston's work played a critical role in transitioning zoological study from medieval lore to empirical documentation. His systematic organization of animal species significantly impacted later biological classification systems, including those developed by Carl Linnaeus.
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 | 400 - 600 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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