Bilder Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522-1605) – Antimony or the Grey Wolf – engraving (1648)

Beskrivning

"Antimonium. Stibium. Spiess-Glass." depicts a wolf standing upon a small mound of earth, symbolizing the alchemical element antimony. This engraving was published in Bologna in 1648 within the Musaeum Metallicum, a posthumous volume printed by Giovanni Battista Ferroni. The composition is surrounded by dense gothic letterpress text detailing the medicinal and chemical uses of the substance. In early scientific tradition, the wolf represented antimony due to its reactive nature in purifying other metals.

Ulisse Aldrovandi was a celebrated italian naturalist and professor at the University of Bologna who is considered a founding father of modern natural history. He dedicated his life to the systematic collection and classification of thousands of specimens from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms. His massive personal museum and research library provided the foundation for a monumental series of illustrated scientific volumes. Aldrovandi's work was essential in transitioning natural science from classical lore to empirical observation during the late renaissance.

Artist or Maker: Ulisse Aldrovandi.

Dimensions: Approximately 32 cm x 19 cm.

Medium: engraving.

Date: 1648.

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.