Echoes of Avian Majesty: The Dodo and Ostrich of the Early 19th Century, 1805

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Echoes of Avian Majesty: The Dodo and Ostrich of the Early 19th Century, 1805

About the Item

Antique copper plate engraving from "The Cyclopædia: or, Universal dictionary of arts, sciences, and literature" by Abraham Rees, published in the early 19th century. The engraving features illustrations of two notable bird species, the dodo and the ostrich, classified under the order 'Gallinae' according to Linnaean taxonomy. "Echoes of Avian Majesty: The Dodo and Ostrich of the Early 19th Century." This title pays homage to the grandeur of these birds, with the dodo being an emblem of extinction and the ostrich representing the grand scale of birds still walking the Earth. It also reflects the time period and the scientific interest in ornithology. More facts about the Dodo explaining why the Dodo prints are so popular with collectors of antique prints: The dodo is a bird that has become an icon of extinction. Its story is a sad tale of the impact of human activity on the environment and the species that inhabit it. **Discovery and Description:** The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It was first discovered by Dutch sailors around 1598. The bird was about one meter tall and weighed about 10-18 kilograms (20-40 pounds). It had a large beak, a plump body, small wings, and stout, yellow legs. **Extinction:** The dodo's extinction is attributed to a combination of human exploitation and introduced species. Being flightless and having evolved without any natural predators, the dodo was not fearful of humans. This, along with its inability to fly, made it an easy target for the sailors who would hunt it for food. Additionally, the introduction of animals such as pigs, rats, and monkeys by humans led to increased competition for food resources and predation of dodo eggs and young. **Cultural Impact:** The dodo became extinct in the late 17th century, less than 100 years after it was discovered. It is often used as a cautionary example of how human intervention can inadvertently lead to the demise of a species. The term "dodo" has since become synonymous with anything outdated or destined for failure or obsolescence. **Scientific Importance:** In a scientific context, the dodo has been the subject of much interest and study. The lack of complete dodo specimens has made it difficult for researchers to fully understand its behavior, ecology, and exact appearance. However, the discovery of subfossil remains has allowed for some reconstruction of its physical form and genetics. **Cultural Representation:** Culturally, the dodo remains a fixture in literature and popular culture, most famously appearing in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," which helped cement its image in the public imagination. The story of the dodo serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of isolated ecosystems to human impacts and has informed conservation efforts for other species at risk of extinction.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Engraved
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1805
Condition:
Good condition. Some minor wear due to age and handling. Wear around the edges, but the image intact. Overall a wonderful patina. Study the image carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13597-341stDibs: LU3054337766992