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Montpelier, Aesculapian and four-lined snakes
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Montpelier, Aesculapian and four-lined snakes
Montpelier snake, Malpolon monspessulanus 1, Aesculapian snake, Zamenis longissimus 2, and four-lined snake, Elaphe quatuorlineata 3. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), Weimar, 1798
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Media ID 23157886
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bilderbuch Common Communis Friedrich Kinder Montpellier Snake Aesculapian Coluber Elaphe Four Lined
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This hand-colored copperplate engraving, taken from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch fur Kinder" or "Picture Book for Children," published in Weimar in 1798, showcases an intriguing encounter between three different species of snakes: the Montpelier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus 1), the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus 2), and the four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata 3). The Montpelier snake, also known as the Montpellier snake or the French common snake, is native to southern Europe, including France, and is depicted in the image coiled around a tree trunk. This non-venomous snake is characterized by its smooth, brown scales and distinctive head pattern, which includes a dark stripe down the middle of its face. The Aesculapian snake, also known as the European grass snake or the European rat snake, is represented by the snake lying across the Montpelier snake's body. This snake species, which is also non-venomous, is native to Europe and is identified by its olive-green color, red-brown blotches, and a yellow or orange belly. The Aesculapian snake is often found near water and is named after Aesculapius, the ancient Greek god of medicine. The four-lined snake, or the four-lined racer, is the smallest snake in the image. It is shown in the upper right corner, curled up on a leaf. This snake species, which is native to North America, is characterized by its black head and four white or yellow lines that run the length of its body. The four-lined snake is a fast-moving, agile snake that feeds primarily on lizards and other small reptiles. The inclusion of these three snake species in Bertuch's "Bilderbuch fur Kinder" reflects the naturalist interests of the time and serves to educate children about the diversity of the natural world. The intricate hand-coloring and detailed engraving techniques used in the image further enhance its visual appeal and make it a fascinating historical artifact.
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