Bilder Antoine Charles Vauthier (1790–after 1831) – Study of a Beaver, Brown Bear, and Polar Bear – Hand-coloured engraving (1830)

Beskrivning

"Le Castor. L'Ours brun. L'Ours blanc." This hand-coloured engraving presents a comparative study of three northern mammals. The upper register depicts a beaver on a riverbank, highlighting its characteristic flat, scaly tail and a small lodge in the background. The middle register illustrates a brown bear in profile, emphasizing its heavy build and thick fur. The lower register shows a polar bear standing upon an ice floe, rendered with a light wash to denote its white coat. This plate was published in Paris as part of a later edition of the monumental Histoire Naturelle by the Comte de Buffon, with updated illustrations by Vauthier to reflect early nineteenth-century zoological observations.

Antoine Charles Vauthier was a French natural history painter and engraver active during the early nineteenth century. He was highly regarded for his technical precision and his ability to render organic textures like fur and wood with great detail. Vauthier contributed extensively to major scientific publications of his era, including works by Cuvier and the Dictionnaire classique d'histoire naturelle. His illustrations were significant for transitioning Enlightenment-era natural history into the more rigorous biological documentation of the Victorian period.

Artist or Maker: Antoine Charles Vauthier.

Dimensions: Approximately 20 cm x 12 cm.

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving.

Date: 1830.

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.