Elegance In Black And White: The Striped Skunk Engraved, Circa 1774
Langweer, Netherlands
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Paper
Style
Antique
Product Details
Description
Title: "Elegance in Black and White: Viverra Mephitis Linn."
Description: This hand-colored print, meticulously drawn by J. Hle and engraved by J. Beck, features 'Viverra Mephitis Linnaeus', a term once used to classify what is commonly known as the striped skunk.
Resting atop a rock, the skunk is depicted with its characteristic black and white coloring, its bushy tail elegantly arched. The precision of the engraving captures the fine details of the skunk's fur and the serene, natural setting in which it is placed. The illustration reflects the scientific and artistic practices of the late 18th century, where natural history was as much an art as it was a science. This portrayal not only captures the skunk's physical attributes but also conveys a sense of its place within the natural world, making it a captivating representation of wildlife from a bygone era.
The print is from a work that is characteristic of the late 18th to early 19th-century natural history collections, such as "Die Säugthiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen" (The Mammals in Illustrations According to Nature with Descriptions), compiled by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. Schreber's work was a seminal collection documenting a wide range of mammalian species, each meticulously described and illustrated.
These works were part of a broader movement during the Enlightenment where natural history became a significant field of study. Illustrators and naturalists aimed to systematically catalog the natural world, often for the first time in such detail. The illustrations were typically created by skilled artists who often worked closely with scientists to ensure accuracy in the representation of each species. The drawings were then engraved onto copper plates, printed, and sometimes hand-colored in a production process that combined the efforts of various craftsmen and artists.
"Die Säugthiere" is considered an important contribution to zoological literature and is known for its comprehensive treatment of mammalian species, including taxonomy, behavior, and habitat information. The texts were often accompanied by high-quality illustrations that were both scientifically valuable and aesthetically pleasing. Such works were instrumental in spreading scientific knowledge to a broader audience and remain valuable historical records of scientific and artistic endeavors of their time.
Condition report:
Good Good. Overall minor soiling due to handling and age, especially around the edges. A brown glow overall. The image itself is beautiful hand-colored. Study the images carefully.
Additional dimensions information:
Height: 10.44 in Width: 7.88 in Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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