Seligmann, Flying Squirrels, 1762, Original Hand-Colored Engraving

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The hand-colored engraving depicts two flying squirrels, one in motion with its limbs extended and patagium (gliding membranes) visible, and … Read more The hand-colored engraving depicts two flying squirrels, one in motion with its limbs extended and patagium (gliding membranes) visible, and the other in a crouched position on the ground. The illustration is meticulous, with a focus on the physical characteristics and texture of the animals, suggesting an aim to provide a detailed and accurate zoological depiction. The flying squirrels are rendered with a soft, natural color palette and precise anatomical detailing, characteristic of scientific illustrations from the 18th century. Johann Michael Seligmann, the artist credited in the print, was a distinguished engraver from the Holy Roman Empire. His work often involved the detailed reproduction of natural history subjects, often based on the works of other naturalists, but rendered with his unique artistic flair. Seligmann was known for his precise and detailed copperplate engravings, which bore his initials, JMS, indicating his authorship. Given the style and subject matter, as well as the timing and location noted in the print (Noribergae, which is Nuremberg), this print is likely from "Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen" (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with s) by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. Seligmann contributed to this work, which included detailed illustrations of mammals aimed at a scientific audience. The work sought to catalog various species with an emphasis on anatomical accuracy and lifelike portrayal, aligning with the naturalistic style seen in this print. Based on the details provided, including the text in German and French signed "Bareut le 20. me d'Avril 1762," this engraving was likely published around the year 1762. This date, along with the bilingual text, indicates that the work was intended for a broad audience, catering to both German and French readers, which was common in scientific publications of the time to reach a wider scholarly audience. The publisher of the work, as indicated by "Joh. Mich. Seligmann excud. Noribergae" on the print, is Johann Michael Seligmann, who was active in Nuremberg. Seligmann was known for his engravings, particularly those that were part of larger scientific or natural history works. "Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen" by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber, was a comprehensive mammalian study, which Seligmann contributed to through his engravings. This work was published in multiple volumes starting in the mid-18th century and continued into the late 18th century, aligning with the date provided in the attached text sheet. See less