Antique Print of an Orangutan Seated on a Bench by Edwards, 1757

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About the Item

This captivating antique print, titled 'The Satier, Sauage, Wild-man, Orang-autang, Chimp-anzee', is a meticulously detailed zoological study of an orangutan from the renowned work "Gleanings of Natural History" by George Edwards, published in 1757. The image showcases an orangutan poised with a human-like posture, seated on a rudimentary wooden bench and grasping a staff, highlighting the 18th-century fascination with simian anatomy and the blurred lines between human and animal behavior. This print is particularly interesting not only because of its historical and scientific value but also due to its role in early natural history illustrations that sought to document and understand wildlife in an era of burgeoning global exploration. The depiction is executed with precision and artistic flair, making it a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts of antique prints, vintage zoological artwork, and historical primate studies. This piece serves as an excellent reflection of the Enlightenment's drive towards categorizing and understanding the natural world. It is ideal for those interested in natural history, vintage illustrations, and the development of scientific thought in the pre-Linnaean age. The technique used in the antique print of the orangutan is etching. Etching is a printmaking technique that involves using acid to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal. In etching, the artist applies a protective ground to a metal plate, usually copper or zinc. The artist then draws through the ground with a sharp tool to expose the metal. The plate is then dipped in an acid bath, which eats away at the exposed lines, creating grooves. After the ground is removed, ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooved lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the inked image. This method allows for fine detail and a rich texture, which is evident in the intricate depiction of the orangutan's fur and the textured elements of the scene, such as the wooden bench and the ground. Etching was a popular technique in the 18th century for scientific illustrations as it provided a high level of detail necessary for studying and documenting biological subjects.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Period:
Mid-18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1757
Condition:
General age-related toning. Some wear and soiling, blank verso. Please study image carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-12936-621stDibs: LU3054323495162

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