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Old Print of a Hippo, a Large Herbivorous Mammal in Sub-Saharan Africa

About the Item

‘HIPPOPOTAMUS CAPENSIS – HIPPOPOTAME DU CAP.’ ‘ – (Hippo, a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa.) The Hippopotamus capensis, commonly known as the Hippopotamus or "Hippo," is an iconic and fascinating mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Here's a brief overview: The Hippopotamus, characterized by its massive size, bulky body, and barrel-shaped torso, is one of the largest land mammals. Despite its enormous bulk, it is remarkably agile in water. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are situated high on their head, enabling them to stay mostly submerged while still observing their surroundings and breathing. These semi-aquatic creatures spend a significant amount of time submerged in water to stay cool and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. They are excellent swimmers and can even run along the bottom of rivers or lakes. Hippopotamuses are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses and other vegetation during the late afternoon or night, venturing onto land from water bodies. Despite their largely herbivorous diet, they are known to be highly territorial and can be fiercely aggressive, particularly when defending their territories or young. Their social structure revolves around groups of varying sizes, usually led by a dominant male. Despite their sometimes solitary demeanor, they form complex social hierarchies and can display a range of behaviors from playful interactions to territorial aggression. The Hippopotamus holds a significant place in African ecosystems, playing a crucial role in shaping and maintaining aquatic habitats while being an iconic symbol of African wildlife. Their unique characteristics and behaviors make them a subject of fascination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide. Made by F.J. Desmares after Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez (1778-1856). Engraving with original hand colouring, heightened with arabic gum on wove (vellin) paper. More info on the book in which it was published: The 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century natural sciences. Published in Brussels in 1845, this work represents an expansive collation of knowledge, building upon the pioneering works of Buffon, Daubenton, Lacepede, Cuvier, de Jussieu, and other influential naturalists. The prints within this compendium likely showcase a rich amalgamation of artistic precision and scientific accuracy. Drapiez, himself a Belgian naturalist, would have aimed for detailed representations of flora, fauna, and scientific phenomena, mirroring the illustrative styles prevalent during his time. Given the era's emphasis on illustration, these prints were likely engraved meticulously, possibly portraying intricate anatomical details or lifelike depictions of the natural world. With Drapiez's background in natural history, the prints might bear testament to his commitment to scientific authenticity, aiming to educate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike. These engravings would have complemented the text, offering visual aids that elucidate the concepts and specimens discussed in the volume. Overall, the prints of 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' likely serve as both artistic representations and invaluable scientific resources, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century natural history exploration and documentation.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1845
  • Condition:
    Condition: very good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13261-1131stDibs: LU3054337410812
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