From Historiae Animalium / Allgemeines Thier-Buch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, later German edition published 1669
Two woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring (partridge colored; plover uncolored)
This folio leaf featuring two ornithological woodcuts, depicting a partridge and a plover, was issued in 1669 as part of the German Allgemeines Thier-Buch, a vernacular continuation of Conrad Gesner’s groundbreaking Historiae Animalium. Gesner’s original Latin editions, first published in Zurich in the mid-sixteenth century, represent the first modern attempt to describe all known animals and remain foundational works in the history of zoology.
Gesner, a physician and professor at the Carolinum in Zurich, approached the study of animals with unprecedented scholarly rigor. His work synthesized classical authorities, medieval traditions, traveler accounts, and direct observation, while introducing systematic comparison and bibliographic citation. In ornithology, Gesner was particularly influential, treating birds as distinct biological species rather than allegorical symbols.
The present leaf presents two species together, encouraging visual comparison and reflecting Gesner’s methodical approach to classification. The partridge has been hand colored at a later date, enhancing its presence and legibility, while the plover remains uncolored, offering a rare opportunity to compare the same woodcut plate both with and without pigment. Such mixed presentation underscores the varied ways these prints were finished for different readers and collectors.
Gesner’s bird illustrations are valued for their restraint, clarity, and intellectual authority. They document a decisive moment when empirical observation began to replace inherited symbolism, laying the groundwork for modern ornithology.
Good overall condition. Even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Medium: Woodcuts with partial later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1669
Dimensions: 13.15 × 7.40 inches (33.4 × 18.8 cm)
Subjects: Partridge, Plover, Ornithology
Status: Available
From Historiae Animalium / Allgemeines Thier-Buch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, later German edition published 1669
Two woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring (partridge colored; plover uncolored)
This folio leaf featuring two ornithological woodcuts, depicting a partridge and a plover, was issued in 1669 as part of the German Allgemeines Thier-Buch, a vernacular continuation of Conrad Gesner’s groundbreaking Historiae Animalium. Gesner’s original Latin editions, first published in Zurich in the mid-sixteenth century, represent the first modern attempt to describe all known animals and remain foundational works in the history of zoology.
Gesner, a physician and professor at the Carolinum in Zurich, approached the study of animals with unprecedented scholarly rigor. His work synthesized classical authorities, medieval traditions, traveler accounts, and direct observation, while introducing systematic comparison and bibliographic citation. In ornithology, Gesner was particularly influential, treating birds as distinct biological species rather than allegorical symbols.
The present leaf presents two species together, encouraging visual comparison and reflecting Gesner’s methodical approach to classification. The partridge has been hand colored at a later date, enhancing its presence and legibility, while the plover remains uncolored, offering a rare opportunity to compare the same woodcut plate both with and without pigment. Such mixed presentation underscores the varied ways these prints were finished for different readers and collectors.
Gesner’s bird illustrations are valued for their restraint, clarity, and intellectual authority. They document a decisive moment when empirical observation began to replace inherited symbolism, laying the groundwork for modern ornithology.
Good overall condition. Even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Medium: Woodcuts with partial later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1669
Dimensions: 13.15 × 7.40 inches (33.4 × 18.8 cm)
Subjects: Partridge, Plover, Ornithology
Status: Available
