Schellenberg, Animal Images, 18th Century, Print, Framed

Lovely artwork with 6 animal heads. It is most likely a plaque from an 18th-century encyclopedia.

The age of the graphics may be indicated primarily by the specific depiction of animal anatomy - not entirely consistent with the actual one, typical of old encyclopedic representations. Known compendiums of this type include bestiaries and animalia published from the 16th century, which preceded the so-called Physiognomicons - showing the analogy between human physiognomy, its similarity to animals, and the characters of these people. Research on human character and temperament was preceded by careful observations of animals to which given traits were assigned. Hence the pictures and graphics of animals with quite specific anatomy and even facial expressions in which you can see human features.

The presented graphics are a treat and an unusual collector's curiosity. It will delight all lovers of animals and interesting curiosities.

It is framed in a beautiful, hard-cut frame and wide passe-partout in a historic mustard color.