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Old Hand-colored Print of a Dugong, a Narwhal and a Right Whale
About the Item
The creatures on this original antique print are: —The Dugong, Narwhal, and Right Whale—They are fascinating marine mammals, each with its unique characteristics and place in the oceans:
1. **Dugong:** Dugongs, also known as "sea cows," are large marine mammals that reside in warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. They are closely related to manatees and are herbivorous, feeding mainly on seagrass. Dugongs have a distinctive appearance with a rounded body, paddle-like flippers, and a tail resembling that of a dolphin. These gentle herbivores are threatened due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human-related activities.
2. **Narwhal:** Narwhals are unique cetaceans known for the long, spiral tusk protruding from the male's head. Found primarily in Arctic waters, they are often called the "unicorns of the sea" due to their tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth. Narwhals travel in pods and are known for their deep-diving abilities in search of fish and squid. Their elusive nature and distinct appearance make them subjects of fascination and wonder.
3. **Right Whale:** Right Whales are large baleen whales belonging to the genus Eubalaena. They were named as the "right" whale to hunt due to their slow movements, tendency to stay close to shore, and the fact that they float when killed. These whales can grow to substantial sizes and have distinctive callosities on their heads, which are patches of roughened skin infested with barnacles. They were heavily hunted during the whaling era and remain endangered today due to factors like ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Each of these marine mammals plays a crucial role in their respective ecosystems and holds a unique place in the natural world, contributing to the rich diversity of marine life.
Made by F.J. Desmares after Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez (1778-1856).
Engraving with original hand colouring, heightened with arabic gum on wove (vellin) paper.
More info on the book in which it was published:
The 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century natural sciences. Published in Brussels in 1845, this work represents an expansive collation of knowledge, building upon the pioneering works of Buffon, Daubenton, Lacepede, Cuvier, de Jussieu, and other influential naturalists.
The prints within this compendium likely showcase a rich amalgamation of artistic precision and scientific accuracy. Drapiez, himself a Belgian naturalist, would have aimed for detailed representations of flora, fauna, and scientific phenomena, mirroring the illustrative styles prevalent during his time. Given the era's emphasis on illustration, these prints were likely engraved meticulously, possibly portraying intricate anatomical details or lifelike depictions of the natural world.
With Drapiez's background in natural history, the prints might bear testament to his commitment to scientific authenticity, aiming to educate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike. These engravings would have complemented the text, offering visual aids that elucidate the concepts and specimens discussed in the volume.
Overall, the prints of 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' likely serve as both artistic representations and invaluable scientific resources, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century natural history exploration and documentation.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1845
- Condition:Condition: fair, given age. Strong age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
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