Bilder Johannes Jonston (1603-1675) – Natural History of Crustaceans – Copper engraving (1650)

Beskrivning

"Cancer, Astacus Minor, Astacus Maior, Astacus fluviatilis". This work depicts four distinct species of crayfish and lobsters from a dorsal perspective. This copper engraving is from the natural history encyclopedia Historiae Naturalis de Exanguibus Aquaticis Libri IV, published by Matthäus Merian in Frankfurt in 1650. This publication served as a comprehensive record of aquatic life during the seventeenth century, combining scientific observation with artistic detail.

Johannes Jonston was a Polish physician, naturalist, and polymath of Scottish descent who authored influential works on zoology. He received his education at several prestigious European universities and spent much of his life traveling and documenting the natural world. His most significant contribution, Historiae Naturalis, became a fundamental reference text across Europe for over a century due to its breadth of information. Jonston is distinguished for his methodical classification of the animal kingdom based on both literary research and contemporary visual records.

Artist or Maker:
Johannes Jonston.

Dimensions:
Approximately 34 cm x 21 cm.

Medium:
Copper engraving.

Date:
1650.

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.