12440 Johannes Jonstonus (1603–1675) – Ostriches and Monstrous Fowl – Copper engraving (1650)
"Struthocamelus". This ornithological plate depicts two ostriches in the upper register, characterized by their long necks, powerful legs, and soft plumage. One ostrich is shown standing near a large egg, a common trope in early modern natural history to illustrate reproductive biology. The lower register features a "Pavo sine cauda chinensis" (Chinese peacock without a tail) alongside a "Gallus Monstrosus caudatus," a fantastical or deformed rooster with a serpent-like tail and peculiar head ornamentation. The inclusion of monstrous or hybrid creatures alongside real species reflects the transition from medieval bestiaries to more empirical biological studies. This work was published in Frankfurt as part of the series Historiae Naturalis de Avibus.
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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