Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 604:
Description
This is volume 2 with 20 engravings of Johan Christian Daniel von Schreber’s
Die Saugthiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen or
Mammals Illustrated from Nature, with Descriptions It was published in Erlangen in 1775 by Wolfgang Walther.
The volume is bound in contemporary calf binding with rich gilt decoration on the spine, two spine labels. It includes 20 engravings, 17 feature original hand-coloring and 3 are anatomy engravings without color. The engravings are on laid paper. Images included are of primates, anteater, pangolin, armadillo, rhinoceros, elephant, seal, and manatee.
"The most comprehensive—and for a long time, the undisputed—standard work on mammalogy." (Nissen, p. 154) Schreber began to publish this work in 1774 using Linnaeus’s classification system. Schreber employed George Edwards, De Seve, and other noted artists to create images for the work, often from detailed descriptions rather than specimens. Due to the sometimes mis-guided depictions the work is often referred to as Schreber’s "Fantastic Beasts."
Johan Christian Daniel von Schreber (1739-1810) was a German physician and naturalist. He studied botany with the celebrated taxonomist, Carl Linnaeus. He served as a professor of medicine at the University of Erlangen and the Director of the Erlanger Botanical Gardens & Natural History Museum.
Paper Size: ~ 8 1/8" by 10"
Paper Type or Special Features: Volume 2 with 20 Engravings (17 with Original Hand-coloring)
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The binding is slightly rubbed. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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