Poster Print : 1607 Elephant by Topsell age toned
Poster Prints from Science Photo Library
1607 Elephant by Topsell age toned
" Of the Elephant" a 1607 engraving with later tinting from Edward Topsells " History of four Footed Beasts". Topsell produced one of the first printed English Bestiaries, containing reports from other authors such as Pliny, Albertus and Gesner (1560 from which this woodcut is clearly derived). He included such received wisdoms as that elephants worship the sun and the moon and become pregnant by chewing mandrake. If you touch an elephants trunk it cures headaches (no mention is made of a cure for trampling). Topsell appears to realise the weakness of these derived accounts and states " I would have the Reader - imagine I have (not) related all that is ever said of the beasts, but only (what) is said by many". A John Leinhard points out this is an early form of a priori validation
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319429
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
17th Century Bestiary Elephant Engraving Gessner Mythology Pachyderm Wood Cut Elephas
A2 (59.4 x 42cm) Poster Print
Introducing the Media Storehouse range of stunning poster prints featuring the captivating image of "1607 Elephant by Topsell age toned" by Paul D. Stewart from Science Photo Library. This exquisite engraving, originally found in Edward Topsell's "History of Four-Footed Beasts," showcases an intricately detailed representation of an elephant. Each print boasts vibrant, age-toned colors that bring the majesty of this magnificent creature to life. Elevate your home or office décor with this unique and captivating piece of historical art.
A2 Poster (59.4 x 42cm, 23.4" x 16.5" inches) printed on 170gsm Satin Poster Paper. Securely packaged, rolled and inserted into a strong mailing tube and shipped tracked. Poster Prints are of comparable archival quality to our Photographic prints, they are simply printed on thinner Poster Paper. Whilst we only use Photographic Prints in our frames, you can frame Poster Prints if they are carefully supported to prevent sagging over time.
Poster prints are budget friendly enlarged prints in standard poster paper sizes (A0, A1, A2, A3 etc). Whilst poster paper is sometimes thinner and less durable than our other paper types, they are still ok for framing and should last many years. Our Archival Quality Photo Prints and Fine Art Paper Prints are printed on higher quality paper and the choice of which largely depends on your budget.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 59.4cm x 38.6cm (23.4" x 15.2")
Estimated Product Size is 59.4cm x 42cm (23.4" x 16.5")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the age-toned engraving of "1607 Elephant by Topsell" from Edward Topsell's renowned work, "History of four Footed Beasts". As one of the first printed English Bestiaries, Topsell's compilation drew upon the knowledge and writings of esteemed authors such as Pliny, Albertus, and Gesner. The woodcut featured in this print is clearly derived from Gesner's 1560 illustration. Topsell's inclusion of various beliefs surrounding elephants adds an intriguing layer to this artwork. According to received wisdoms, these majestic creatures were believed to worship both the sun and the moon while also becoming pregnant through chewing mandrake. Interestingly, it was believed that touching an elephant's trunk could cure headaches (although no mention was made regarding a remedy for trampling). However, Topsell acknowledges the limitations of these accounts by stating that he has only shared what is said by many rather than presenting every claim ever made about these beasts. This approach can be seen as an early form of a priori validation—a method used to establish credibility based on pre-existing knowledge. Paul D. Stewart expertly captures this piece in his photography, allowing us to appreciate not only its historical significance but also its artistic beauty. With its intricate details and rich symbolism rooted in European zoology and mythology, this engraving serves as a testament to humanity's fascination with nature throughout centuries past.
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