Antique Print-SNAKE-WORM LIZARD-CAECILIAN-LANCE SKINK-BOA-Jonston-Merian-1657

Price: € 52,50

Subject: Tab IV: This plate shows various snakes; Seytale - Amphisbaena Grevini (Worm lizard) - Caecilia, Blindschleich (Caecilian) - Caecilia Vulgaris (Caecilian) - Cenchris Veterum Belloni (Boa species) - Acontias Jaculus, Angelschlang (Lance Skink) - Acontias Alter (Lance Skink).

Condition: Fine. General age related toning and minimal staining. Paper creased and large repaired tear top right.

Medium: Copper plate engraving on verge type hand-laid paper with watermark.

Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 20 x 35 cm. The image size is ca. 17 x 29 cm.

Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 7.9 x 13.8 inch. The image size is ca. 6.7 x 11.4 inch.

Part Number: 23657

Location: A102-38

Description: This rare antique engraving originates from: 'Historiae Naturalis. De Serpentibus Libri Duo.' (Volume 2 of Historiae Naturalis.) by John Johnston, published in Frankfurt by Matthias Merian in 1657.

Artists and Engravers: John Johnston (or Johnstone, 1603-1675) was a descendant of a Scottish family. Born in Sambter, Poland, he studied extensively at the famous universities of the day, including St. Andrews, Scotland, Cambridge & Leiden. After many years traveling in Europe, he settled in Silesia. Matthaus Merian was a leading German engraver of the day, from a prominent family of engravers and artists, and the father of Maria Merian.