From Historiae Animalium / Allgemeines Thier-Buch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, later German edition published 1669
Woodcut on folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This folio woodcut depicting a cuckoo originates from the German edition of Conrad Gesner’s monumental zoological project, issued in 1669 as part of the Allgemeines Thier-Buch, a continuation and vernacular expansion of Gesner’s Historiae Animalium. Gesner’s original Latin editions, first published in Zurich in the mid-sixteenth century, are widely regarded as the first modern works of zoology.
Gesner, a physician and professor at the Carolinum in Zurich, sought to compile a complete inventory of all animals known to Renaissance Europe. His work was unprecedented in scope and method, combining classical sources, medieval knowledge, traveler accounts, and direct observation. Equally important, Historiae Animalium represents the first true bibliography of natural history, establishing standards for scientific citation and comparison.
The cuckoo was of particular interest to early naturalists due to its unusual behavior, migratory patterns, and reproductive habits, which challenged prevailing assumptions about birds. Gesner’s treatment reflects this curiosity, presenting the bird as a distinct and recognizable species rather than a symbolic or allegorical creature.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding visual warmth and individuality to the image while preserving the clarity of the original woodcut. Such later coloring was often undertaken to enhance legibility and appeal for collectors, and each example remains unique.
Gesner’s ornithological woodcuts are prized for their quiet authority and observational focus. They mark a decisive shift away from myth toward empirical study and remain foundational documents in the history of zoology and scientific illustration.
Good overall condition. Even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Medium: Woodcut with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1669
Dimensions: 13.39 × 7.48 inches (34 × 19 cm)
Subject: Ornithology, Cuckoo
Status: Available
From Historiae Animalium / Allgemeines Thier-Buch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, later German edition published 1669
Woodcut on folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This folio woodcut depicting a cuckoo originates from the German edition of Conrad Gesner’s monumental zoological project, issued in 1669 as part of the Allgemeines Thier-Buch, a continuation and vernacular expansion of Gesner’s Historiae Animalium. Gesner’s original Latin editions, first published in Zurich in the mid-sixteenth century, are widely regarded as the first modern works of zoology.
Gesner, a physician and professor at the Carolinum in Zurich, sought to compile a complete inventory of all animals known to Renaissance Europe. His work was unprecedented in scope and method, combining classical sources, medieval knowledge, traveler accounts, and direct observation. Equally important, Historiae Animalium represents the first true bibliography of natural history, establishing standards for scientific citation and comparison.
The cuckoo was of particular interest to early naturalists due to its unusual behavior, migratory patterns, and reproductive habits, which challenged prevailing assumptions about birds. Gesner’s treatment reflects this curiosity, presenting the bird as a distinct and recognizable species rather than a symbolic or allegorical creature.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding visual warmth and individuality to the image while preserving the clarity of the original woodcut. Such later coloring was often undertaken to enhance legibility and appeal for collectors, and each example remains unique.
Gesner’s ornithological woodcuts are prized for their quiet authority and observational focus. They mark a decisive shift away from myth toward empirical study and remain foundational documents in the history of zoology and scientific illustration.
Good overall condition. Even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Medium: Woodcut with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1669
Dimensions: 13.39 × 7.48 inches (34 × 19 cm)
Subject: Ornithology, Cuckoo
Status: Available
