Antique Print-SNAKE-ADDER-VIPER-HORNED VIPER-REPTILE-Jonston-Merian-1657

About this Item

Tab I: This plate shows various snakes; Vipera Mas (Adder or Viper) - Vipera Faeminina (Female Adder or Viper) - Ammodites (Horned Viper) - Serpens Biceps. Copper plate engraving on verge type hand-laid paper with watermark. Description: This rare antique engraving originates from: 'Historiae Naturalis. De Serpentibus Libri Duo.' (Volume 2 of Historiae Naturalis.) by John Johnston, published in Frankfurt by Matthias Merian in 1657.Artists and Engravers: John Johnston (or Johnstone, 1603-1675) was a descendant of a Scottish family. Born in Sambter, Poland, he studied extensively at the famous universities of the day, including St. Andrews, Scotland, Cambridge & Leiden. After many years traveling in Europe, he settled in Silesia. Matthaus Merian was a leading German engraver of the day, from a prominent family of engravers and artists, and the father of Maria Merian. Condition: Excellent. General age related toning and minimal staining. Storage location: A102-38 The overall size is ca. 8.3 x 12.8 inch. The image size is ca. 6.9 x 11.6 inch. The overall size is ca. 21 x 32.5 cm. The image size is ca. 17.5 x 29.5 cm.

Seller Inventory # 23660

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Antique Print-SNAKE-ADDER-VIPER-HORNED VIPER-REPTILE-Jonston-Merian-1657
• Seller catalogs:
  • Natural History - Reptiles