Die Saugthiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen. Compiled by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. Hand colored copperplate engraving. Erlangen, 1775 - 1792. Von Schreber (1739 - 1810) studied natural history, medicine and theology as well as an intensive study of botany. He held positions in medicine - Professor of Medicine at the University of Erlangen - natural history - Director of the Museum of Natural History- and botany - Director of the Botanical Gardens. These charming plates are from a set of 775 illustrations. The artists responsible had, however, never seen the animals they drew, relying on descriptions from explorers and travellers. Many of the pictures, therefore, are somewhat unrealistic. Collectively, they are known as "Schreber's Fantastic Beasts".
Size (in): 11 x 9
