123 Jacques Eustache de Sève (active 1742–1788) – Le Hérisson (The Hedgehog) – Copperplate Engraving by Benard from Histoire Naturelle by Buffon (Late 18th Century)

This copperplate engraving titled Le Hérisson (The Hedgehog) presents two views of the animal: one in its natural spiny state (Fig. 1), and another without its quills, exposing the underlying anatomy (Fig. 2). Taken from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière, the image reflects the scientific rigor and illustrative elegance that defined Buffon’s monumental natural history series. The plate is marked Tome VIII, Pl. VI and was drawn by Jacques Eustache de Sève, with engraving by Robert Bénard, one of the key printmakers for the series. The realistic detail offers both educational insight and artistic quality.