12436 Johannes Jonstonus (1603–1675) – Mythical Creatures and Jenny Hanivers – Copper engraving (1650)
"Draco ex Raia effictus". This zoological plate illustrates several specimens of legendary creatures, specifically focusing on the "basilisk" and the "sea dragon." The upper figures depict what were known as Jenny Hanivers—skates or rays that were dried, carved, and manipulated to resemble winged dragons or monstrous humanoids. These were common curiosities in 17th-century cabinets of wonders. The third figure depicts a traditional "basilisk" in the solitude of Africa, shown as a multi-legged creature with a bird-like head. This plate reflects the intersection of early modern science and folklore, documenting specimens originally described by the naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi. It was published in Frankfurt as part of the encyclopedic series Historiae Naturalis de Serpentibus et Draconibus.
Johannes Jonstonus 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 most significant contribution was the Historiae Naturalis, a massive multivolume compendium that synthesized the zoological knowledge of his time, drawing from both classical sources and contemporary observations. Jonstonus collaborated with the renowned Merian family of engravers, particularly Matthäus Merian the Younger, to produce high-quality illustrations that set a new standard for natural history publishing. His work remained the primary reference for European zoology until the more systematic classifications of Linnaeus in the eighteenth century.
Artist or Maker: Johannes Jonstonus.
Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.
Medium: Copper 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 - 500 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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