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Great auk, Pinguinus impennis, hunted to extinction in 1844
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Great auk, Pinguinus impennis, hunted to extinction in 1844
Great auk, Pinguinus impennis, hunted to extinction in 1844.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Edward Donovan from his own Natural History of British Birds, London, 1794-1819
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Media ID 14205532
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Edwarddonovan Extinct Naturalhistoryofbritishbirds Ornithology
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This handcolored copperplate print depicts the Great Auk, Pinguinus impennis, a flightless seabird that once thrived in the North Atlantic Ocean. The image is a masterpiece from Edward Donovan's Natural History of British Birds, published in London between 1794 and 1819. Donovan, an accomplished artist and ornithologist, drew and engraved this exquisite illustration based on his own observations of the bird. Unfortunately, this magnificent creature is now extinct. The Great Auk was hunted relentlessly for its meat, oil, and feathers, which were highly valued in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. The last known Great Auk was reportedly seen in 1844 on the island of Eldey, Iceland. The Great Auk's distinctive appearance is captured in this illustration, with its large, round body, black back, white underparts, and red eyes. The bird is shown perched on a rocky shore, its wings folded protectively around its body. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the once-thriving population of Great Auks and the consequences of overexploitation. The intricate details of the engraving and the vibrant colors of the handcoloring bring the Great Auk to life, making this print a valuable historical artifact and a testament to the natural world that once was.
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