Bestiary Collection (#6)

1560 Gesner man faced tree sloth
From Conrad Gesners " Icones Animalium" published by Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560. This strange animal is derived from an early conquistador spanish image representing a three toed

1560 Conrad Gesner Crested Porcupine
Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

Gesner A Satyr, simian or wild man
Woodcut with early colouring from Conrad Gesners " Icones Animalium" 1557. Publ. Christof Froshover, Zurich. Gesner takes this image from Breidenbachs " Journey to the Holy Land"

1560 Gesner first fossil illustration
Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560 (also 1558 in Historiae Animalium, Liber IIII)

1560 Gesner Barbary macaque monkey ape
A Barbary Macaque monkey identified as " Ein Aff" (An ape). Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1560 Gesner European Wolf Canis lupus
The European wolf (cleaned paper). From Conrad Gesners " Icones Animalium" published by Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1560 Gesner Merlin Falcon bird of Prey
Merlin (Falco columbarius), Woodcut with old colouring on laid paper. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1560 Gesner Magnus medieval whaling
Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560. Gesner appears to derive this image partly from Olaus Magnus " Historia de Gentibus

Conrad Gessner Gesner portrait naturalist
Conrad Gesner (or Gessner) Swiss Natural Historian (26th March 1516-13th December 1565). His major four volume work Historiae Animalium (1551-1558) is considered the beginning of modern zoology

1560 Gesner Whale attacks ship
Whale attacking ship. Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1560 Gesner mermaid sea monster
Satyrus marinus - a sea monster of partially human form. Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1554 Gesner shark attack on man with ray
Sharks attacking a man, with a ray coming to help. Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560

1560 Gesner mole scientific translation
A mole, (Talpa europaea), woodcut with orignal hand colouring from Conrad Gesner " Icones Animalium" 1560. Before the advent of Linnaeus binomial latin taxonomic nomenclature such multiple

1607 Elephant by Topsell age toned
" Of the Elephant" a 1607 engraving with later tinting from Edward Topsells " History of four Footed Beasts"

1662 Schott Demons
XXVI " Winged and horned monster resembling Cacus (the giant son of Vulcan), XXVII " Winged and clawed monster with a birds clawed foot"

1607 Tiger by Topsell
" Of the Tiger" a 1607 engraving with later tinting from Edward Topsells " History of four Footed Beasts"

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Discover the fascinating world of creatures both real and imagined through the lens of a bestiary. Dating back to as early as the 14th century, these compilations of animals captivate with their intricate illustrations and captivating tales. Step into history with Gesner's armoured rhino after Durer, a testament to the meticulous artistry that brings these beasts to life. Traverse the Sea of Darkness from Munster's Cosmographie Universalis, where mythical sea creatures lurk beneath its depths in an enchanting woodcut depiction. Marvel at Louis Mathieu Verdilhan's stone sculpture, capturing man locked in combat against a majestic lion—a symbol of strength and courage immortalized for eternity. Journey further into Ming dynasty China, where an unknown creator crafts a mesmerizing bestiary showcasing both real and fantastical beings. Witness Constantinople come alive between two ravens in Oracle of Leo VI Wise—a miniature painting that transports you to another time and place. Pierre Belon takes us underwater with his cheval marin in "De Aquatilibus, " reminding us that even within our vast oceans lies a realm teeming with extraordinary life. Vincenzo Campi's oil on canvas masterpiece "La Pollivendola" introduces us to the bustling world of poultry dealers—an unexpected addition to this collection but one that adds depth and variety. The Biblioteca Trivulziana houses an elephant from a 14th-century bestiary, reminding us how these books were treasured artifacts throughout history. Gaston Phoebus' Hunting Book showcases stunning depictions of otters, bears, and wild cats—creatures intertwined with human existence since time immemorial. Finally, immerse yourself in Triton and Sirene's ethereal dance within the Mediterranean Sea—the perfect finale found within "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. " In each page turned or artwork admired lies not only knowledge but a glimpse into the human fascination with the animal kingdom.