11322 Matthäus Merian the Younger (1621-1687) – Studies of Unicorns – engraving (1650)
"Monoceros Unicornu / Einhorn" This engraving depicts three varieties of unicorns, representing a blend of seventeenth-century natural history and mythical lore. The creatures are shown in dynamic standing and rearing poses, featuring horse-like bodies with single spiraled horns and cloven hooves, set against a minimal landscape of grassy tufts. This work is a leaf from the expansive natural history series "Historiae Naturalis de Quadrupetibus," published in Frankfurt by the Merian family. Such prints were fundamental to the scientific categorization of the animal kingdom during the Baroque era, appearing in encyclopedic volumes that documented both observed domestic species and legendary creatures described in classical texts.
Matthäus Merian the Younger was a prominent German engraver and publisher who managed his family's influential printing firm in Frankfurt during the mid-seventeenth century. He is widely recognized for continuing the ambitious topographical and scientific publishing projects initiated by his father, Matthäus Merian the Elder. His work is noted for its technical mastery of copperplate engraving and its significant contribution to the dissemination of scientific knowledge during the Baroque period. The Merian firm was one of the most prestigious in Europe, known for producing high-quality illustrated volumes that combined artistic elegance with empirical detail.
Artist or Maker: Matthäus Merian the Younger.
Dimensions: Approximately 35 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 | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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