Buffon, Monkeys, The Coata; The Grey Sajou; The Brown Sajou\., 1700s, Etching

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Etching from Histoire Naturelle, Quadrupèdes. On laid paper, plate 16, depicting four species of New World monkeys shown in naturalistic … Read more Etching from Histoire Naturelle, Quadrupèdes. On laid paper, plate 16, depicting four species of New World monkeys shown in naturalistic poses within a framed composition. The plate is finely engraved with careful attention to fur texture and anatomical detail, accompanied by French captions identifying each subject. Issued as part of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s influential Histoire Naturelle, one of the most important illustrated natural history publications of the Enlightenment. An attractive example of early zoological illustration, valued for its decorative appeal as well as its historical significance. The sheet presents with deckled edges, light age toning, and scattered foxing consistent with age. Overall well-preserved. Sheet with deckled edges; light age toning and scattered foxing consistent with age, otherwise in good condition. A compelling example of 18th-century scientific illustration, combining empirical observation with refined engraving technique. See less