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1607 Elephant by Topsell age toned
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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
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Media ID 6319429
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
17th Century Bestiary Elephant Engraving Gessner Mythology Pachyderm Wood Cut Elephas
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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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