Bilder Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – Brown Paca, Spotted Paca, and Capybara – lithograph (Hand-coloured) (1833–1836)

Beskrivning

"1. Le Paca Fauve, 2. Le Paca Brun, 3. Le Cabiai" illustrates three species of rodents in profile naturalistic poses. The figures represent the brown paca, the spotted paca, and the capybara, each depicted standing on small patches of grass and earth. This plate was published in Brussels between 1833 and 1836 by Th. Lejeune as part of an edition of Buffon’s "Oeuvres complètes", which featured the first lithographed versions of these classic natural history subjects to allow for a more truthful representation of live animals. The work demonstrates the transition from traditional copperplate engraving to the more tonal qualities of lithography during the nineteenth century.

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.