Marsupials, 1836, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

This rare 19th-century lithograph presents a striking study of various marsupials, meticulously rendered as part of 'De Zoogdieren: afgebeeld en … Read more This rare 19th-century lithograph presents a striking study of various marsupials, meticulously rendered as part of 'De Zoogdieren: afgebeeld en in hunne levenswijze geschetst'. The print includes four distinct species: the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), the yapok (water opossum), the spotted-tailed quoll, and the greater pouch rat. Each species is illustrated in fine detail, capturing the anatomical and behavioral characteristics of these unique animals. At the top, the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), known as the Tasmanian tiger or wolf, is depicted with its characteristic striped back and elongated snout. Once native to Tasmania, mainland Australia, and New Guinea, this species is now considered extinct, with the last known individual dying in captivity in 1936. Below it, the yapok (Chironectes minimus), the only aquatic marsupial, is shown with webbed feet and a streamlined body, inhabiting freshwater streams in Central and South America. Further down, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), a carnivorous marsupial found in Australia and Tasmania, is identified by its distinctive white spots and agile frame. Finally, the greater pouch rat (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), a nocturnal marsupial, is portrayed with its prehensile tail and soft fur. This lithograph is a valuable piece of zoological history, offering a glimpse into early scientific depictions of marsupials. It is a must-have for collectors of natural history prints, rare wildlife illustrations, and 19th-century taxonomic studies. See less