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The Orang Utan or Wild Man of the Woods (Pongo
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The Orang Utan or Wild Man of the Woods (Pongo
The Orang Utan or Wild Man of the Woods (Pongo pygmaeus) holding a stick.. 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 14219660
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Ebenezer Ihle Johann Orang Pongo Pygmaeus Sibly Stick System Universal Utan Wild Woods
EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcolored copperplate engraving, taken from Ebenezer Sibly's Universal System of Natural History published in 1794, showcases the intriguing figure of the Orang Utan, also known as the Wild Man of the Woods or the Man of the Forest. The Orang Utan is depicted here as Pongo pygmaeus, a species native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The Orang Utan is shown in a thoughtful pose, holding a long stick in his right hand. His muscular physique, covered in dark fur, is a testament to his arboreal lifestyle, spent swinging through the trees with remarkable agility. The intricate details of his facial features, with expressive eyes and a furrowed brow, add to the sense of intelligence and curiosity that has long intrigued observers. The Orang Utan was a subject of great fascination during the 18th and 19th centuries, with many Europeans believing that they were the "missing link" between humans and apes. This belief is reflected in the caption that accompanies this illustration in Sibly's work, which refers to the Orang Utan as a "Man-like Monkey." The engraving itself is a masterful work of art, with the intricate lines and delicate shading bringing the Orang Utan to life. The handcoloring adds depth and richness to the image, making it a stunning addition to any collection of natural history illustrations. This historical illustration is a reminder of the enduring fascination that the natural world holds for us, and the important role that art and science have played in helping us to understand the world around us.
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