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Platypus (Ornithorhycnhus Anatinus) – Bertuch 1805
Short Description
An original copper engraving of the Platypus - one of the earliest and most charming. By Bertuch published in Germany c1805.
A platypus pelt was sent to England in 1798 by Governor Captain John Hunter. To the great George Shaw FRS who produced the first full description and from drawings of that skin this nice engraving was derived. Shaw surmised it “was impossible not to entertain doubts as to its genuine nature” and Robert Knox said it was a fraud by an Asian taxidermist.
This Platypus is small in scale 14 cm long and we frame this item in our natural history style in reddish gilt frame, with cream mat and black core UV glass. This example is clean and bright ...the engraving is a stipple technique which creates texture a great illusion of the platypus fur.
Very early and rather cute Platypus ... you just have to click on me to see that cuteness!