12605 Robert Benard (1734–1777) – Study of a Kangaroo – Australia – Engraving (1772–1780)
"Quadrupede nommé Kanguroo, trouvé sur la Côte de la Nle. Hollande" illustrates a kangaroo standing in a rocky, sparsely vegetated landscape under a vast sky with light cloud cover. The animal is depicted in a characteristic upright pose, looking back over its shoulder, with a distant hill visible on the horizon. This copper engraving was published as part of the French editions documenting Captain James Cook’s first voyage to the South Pacific, specifically based on the famous George Stubbs painting which provided the first major visual representation of the kangaroo to the European public.
Robert Benard was a highly accomplished French engraver who specialized in technical and natural history subjects. As the director of the engraving department for the Diderot Encyclopédie, he personally oversaw the production of at least 1800 plates, ensuring a high level of consistency and detail. His work is characterized by clean, precise lines and a masterful use of cross-hatching to convey texture and atmospheric perspective in topographical views. Benard's extensive contributions were vital in making the scientific and geographical discoveries of the Enlightenment era accessible to a wider European audience through clear visual documentation.
Artist or Maker: Robert Benard.
Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm x 20 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: (1772–1780).
DA_D1_2026-03-12_12
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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