Conrad Gesner [1516-1565] - Mythological Creature, Basilisk - hand coloured woodcut - 1669
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Selected by Volker Riepenhausen
Specialist in travel literature and pre-1600 rare prints with 28 years experience.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Mythological Basilisk,
Folio with woodcut engravings.
Conrad Gesner (1516-1565)
Issued in:
Allgemeines Thier-Buch: "Eigentliche und lebendige Abbildung Aller vierfüssigen / So wohl zahmer als wilder Thieren/ welche in allen vier Theilen der Welt /auff dem Erdboden /und in etlichen Wassern zu finden: Sampt einer außführlichen..."
The Historiae animalium ("Histories of the Animals") published at Zurich was an encyclopaedic work of "an inventory of renaissance zoology" by Conrad Gesner, a doctor and professor at the Carolinum, the precursor of the University of Zurich. It is the first modern zoological work that attempts to describe all the animals known, and the first bibliography of natural history writings.
Condition: Good condition. Even age toning and staining. Later hand colour. Some edge wear. View images carefully.
Seller's Story
Having studied at Oxford University in the early 1980s I was lucky enough to learn about the rare book and print trade by scuttling around the markets and auction houses of London at a time when it was still quite possible to discover "that find". Similarly I was able to hone my specialist interests in illustrated Natural History, Mythology and Science, something that I hope is still reflected in the items I offer.
The aim is to offer the rare, interesting, unusual, beautiful and strange, from Master Engravings to Exquisite Folios. So at the very least we hope your visit to the site to be a rewarding and enlightening experience!
Daniel Good Rare Books
Mythological Basilisk,
Folio with woodcut engravings.
Conrad Gesner (1516-1565)
Issued in:
Allgemeines Thier-Buch: "Eigentliche und lebendige Abbildung Aller vierfüssigen / So wohl zahmer als wilder Thieren/ welche in allen vier Theilen der Welt /auff dem Erdboden /und in etlichen Wassern zu finden: Sampt einer außführlichen..."
The Historiae animalium ("Histories of the Animals") published at Zurich was an encyclopaedic work of "an inventory of renaissance zoology" by Conrad Gesner, a doctor and professor at the Carolinum, the precursor of the University of Zurich. It is the first modern zoological work that attempts to describe all the animals known, and the first bibliography of natural history writings.
Condition: Good condition. Even age toning and staining. Later hand colour. Some edge wear. View images carefully.
Seller's Story
Having studied at Oxford University in the early 1980s I was lucky enough to learn about the rare book and print trade by scuttling around the markets and auction houses of London at a time when it was still quite possible to discover "that find". Similarly I was able to hone my specialist interests in illustrated Natural History, Mythology and Science, something that I hope is still reflected in the items I offer.
The aim is to offer the rare, interesting, unusual, beautiful and strange, from Master Engravings to Exquisite Folios. So at the very least we hope your visit to the site to be a rewarding and enlightening experience!
Daniel Good Rare Books
Details
Number of Books
1
Book Title
Conrad Gesner [1516-1565] - Mythological Creature, Basilisk - hand coloured woodcut
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1669
Height
33.4 cm
Width
21.3 cm
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