12460 Johannes Stradanus (1523–1605) – Monkeys Gathering Pepper Under Threat of Lions – Engraving (1578)
"Arboribus teneros piperis decerpere ramos". This late sixteenth-century engraving illustrates a fantastical interpretation of the pepper harvest in the East Indies. The composition depicts monkeys being used to gather branches from pepper trees, while hunters armed with bows and spears attempt to protect the harvest or the primates from a pride of attacking lions and a leopard. The scene reflects the Renaissance era fascination with exotic botany and the perceived dangers of colonial trade. This plate is part of the influential series Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium, which was published in Antwerp by Philip Galle and widely distributed across Europe.
Johannes Stradanus, born Jan van der Straet, was a Flemish artist who spent most of his career in Florence working for the Medici family. He was a versatile designer of tapestries, frescoes, and prints, known for his ability to synthesize Northern European detail with Italian Mannerist style. His most enduring legacy is the Venationes series, for which he provided the original drawings that were subsequently engraved by the skilled members of the Collaert and Galle workshops. Stradanus’s work was instrumental in popularizing natural history and sporting subjects across Europe during the Renaissance.
Artist or Maker: Jan Collaert II (Engraver); Johannes Stradanus (Artist).
Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm x 31 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1578.
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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