| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Matthäus Merian II |
| Published | John Johnston 1657 Amsterdam |
| Dimensions | Image 110 x 196 mm, Plate 115 x 170 mm |
| Notes |
A plate depicting various species of South American snake including the Rattlesnake (Boicininga) and the Viper (Amore pinima) from the first edition of Historia Naturalis de Piscibus et Cetis, Libri V, published in 1657. Matthäus Merian the Elder (22 September 1593 - 19 June 1650) was a Swiss engraver born in Basel. Beginning his career in Zürich where he learned the art of copperplate engraving, Merian went on to study and work in various cities throughout France. In 1615, Merian returned to Basel. His return to Basel, however, was short lived, moving to Frankfurt the following year to work for the publisher Johann Theodor de Bry. Merian later married de Bry's daughter. He was also the father of Maria Sibylla Merian, one of the greatest natural history artists of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Condition: Excellent impression, old repair to right of sheet and staining to left of platemark. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £60.00 |
| Stock ID | 39474 |