An orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) kidnapping a young girl

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An orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) kidnapping a young girl

An orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) kidnapping a young girl.. Handcolored copperplate engraving from Ebenezer Siblys Universal System of Natural History, 1794. The prolific Sibly published his Universal System of Natural History in 1794-1796 in five volumes covering the three natural worlds of fauna, flora and geology

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Media ID 14219714

© Florilegius / Mary Evans

Arrow Ebenezer Ihle Johann Kidnap Orang Pongo Pygmaeus Sibly System Universal Utan

EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcolored copperplate engraving, taken from Ebenezer Sibly's Universal System of Natural History published in 1794, depicts a dramatic and intriguing scene of an orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) in the act of kidnapping a young girl. The orang utan, a native of Southeast Asia, is shown with remarkable detail and accuracy, its muscular body covered in dark fur, and its long, powerful arms reaching out to grab the terrified girl. The girl, with wide-open eyes and a look of fear on her face, is shown struggling against the primate's grip, while a native man, armed with a bow and arrow, rushes to her aid. Orang utans, also known as "people of the forest," are highly intelligent and social primates, known for their long, prehensile arms, which they use to move through the trees with ease. They live in groups and are known to exhibit complex social behaviors, including caring for their young and using tools. However, this image of an orang utan kidnapping a girl was a common trope in European literature and art of the time, fueled by fear and misunderstanding of these fascinating creatures. This engraving, created by the skilled hand of Johann Ihle, is a stunning example of the intricate detail and artistry of the copperplate engraving process. The handcoloring adds an additional layer of depth and vibrancy to the image, making it a true masterpiece of historical natural history illustration.

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