Rhinoceros

38.5 x 23 cm (15.2 x 9 inches)

This large antique copper plate engraving is by John Jonston. He was a scholar, renowned physician and distinguished naturalist. It was made in 1657 for "Historiae naturalis" and engraved by Matthaus Merian, the great German engraver.

The engraving is printed on chain-linked paper with strong plate marks, is in excellent condition and has hand painted colouring. There are a few small worm holes on the very edges of the margin.

Jonstons's  engraving is based on on the famous "Dürer's Rhinoceros", a woodcut by German painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer in 1515.   It was regarded by Westerners as a true representation of a rhinoceros into the late 18th century.   It has been said of Dürer's woodcut: "probably no animal picture has exerted such a profound influence on the arts".

© Fine Rare Prints