73 Conrad Gesner (1516–1565) – Illustrations of an Elephant and an Armored Rhinoceros – Woodcut (1563)
This woodcut, from Conrad Gesner's monumental work Historiae animalium, is a folio page featuring two illustrations. The upper image depicts an elephant carrying a howdah, while the lower, more prominent illustration is of an armored rhinoceros. This iconic image is a copy of Albrecht Dürer's famous 1515 woodcut, which was based on a sketch and not a direct observation of the animal. The print serves as a key example of the chain of knowledge transmission in 16th-century natural history, where scientific study was often based on the works of others, blending observed fact with artistic interpretation and rumor.
Conrad Gesner was a Swiss naturalist, bibliographer, and philologist, often referred to as the father of modern scientific bibliography. His most celebrated work is Historiae animalium, a five-volume encyclopedia that is considered the foundation of modern zoology. Published between 1551 and 1558, it was a comprehensive effort to describe all known animals, drawing on both classical texts and new observations from around the world.
Artist or Maker: Conrad Gesner
Dimensions: Approximately 30 x 20 cm
Medium: Woodcut
Date: 1563
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 | 400 - 600 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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