Bilder Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788)– Giant flying Squirrel – lithograph (Hand-coloured) (1833–1836)

Beskrivning

"Le Taguan, ou grand Ecureuil volant" depicts two hand-coloured illustrations of the giant flying squirrel, also known as the red giant flying squirrel, in naturalistic poses. The upper figure shows the animal climbing a textured tree branch with its long tail extended, while the lower figure illustrates the squirrel perched on a rocky ledge. This plate was published in Brussels between 1833 and 1836 by Th. Lejeune as part of an edition of Buffon’s "Histoire Naturelle". The work is a fine example of nineteenth-century natural history illustration, utilizing lithography and delicate hand-colouring to document exotic species for a scholarly audience.

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, was a preeminent french naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist whose monumental work, "Histoire Naturelle", aimed to categorize the entirety of the natural world. Serving as the keeper of the Jardin du Roi in Paris, he transformed the royal gardens into a major research center and published thirty-six volumes during his lifetime. His theories on evolution and the age of the earth significantly influenced subsequent generations of scientists, including Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Buffon's commitment to combining scientific observation with accessible, high-quality illustrations ensured his work remained the definitive reference for natural history throughout the Enlightenment and into the nineteenth century.

Artist or Maker: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.

Dimensions: Approximately 23 cm x 15 cm.

Medium: lithograph (Hand-coloured).

Date: 1833–1836.

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.