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Mythical hybrid creature, 16th century C013 / 7626
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Mythical hybrid creature, 16th century C013 / 7626
Mythical hybrid creature 16th-century artwork of a fish-like mythical creature called an orabou. Described as nearly 3 metres long, its body has the characteristics of a crocodile but the features of other animals. It is described in a chapter about North Africa and other lands around the Mediterranean. Artwork from Cosmographie universelle (1575) by the French explorer and writer Andre Thevet (1516-1590). This book described the history and geography of the lands in which Thevet had travelled. The two volumes and four tomes contain over 1000 pages divided into 23 books. This woodcut is from chapter VIII of book V
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9199639
© MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 1575 16th Century Africa African Andre Thevet Cosmographie Universelle Crocodile Crocodilian Desert French Hybrid Mediaeval Medieval Middle Ages Mythical Creature Natural History North Africa Reptilian Scaled Tail Woodcut
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable 16th-century artwork of a mythical hybrid creature known as the orabou. Believed to have roamed the lands around North Africa and the Mediterranean, this fish-like creature is depicted with an impressive length of nearly 3 meters. Its body exhibits crocodile-like characteristics while also boasting features reminiscent of other animals. The artwork originates from "Cosmographie universelle" a renowned book published in 1575 by French explorer and writer Andre Thevet. This extensive publication delves into the history and geography of various lands that Thevet had explored during his travels. Comprising two volumes and four tomes spanning over 1000 pages divided into 23 books, it remains a valuable resource for understanding different cultures. Captured in monochrome through an intricate woodcut technique, this illustration from chapter VIII of book V offers us a glimpse into medieval zoology and natural history studies. With its scaled body, single tail, and reptilian essence, the orabou stands as an intriguing representation of biological diversity during the Middle Ages. Displayed by MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this print allows us to appreciate both the artistic mastery behind such historical illustrations and their contribution to our understanding of wildlife in centuries past.
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