Toucan, 16th century C013 / 7640

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Toucan, 16th century C013 / 7640

Toucan. 16th-century artwork of a toucan. Toucans, recognised by their large colourful bills, are native to Central and South America. This specimen is from Guanabara Bay, Brazil, briefly the location of a French settlement called French Antarctica before the establishment of Rio de Janeiro in 1565. 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 XII of book XXI

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Media ID 9199665

© MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1500s 1575 16th Century Andre Thevet Bird Book 21 Brazil Brazilian Cosmographie Universelle French Latin America Mediaeval Medieval Middle Ages Natural History Ornithological Ornithology Rainforest South America South American Toucan Tropics Woodcut Guanabara Bay Ramphastidae Rio De Janeiro

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a stunning 16th-century artwork of a toucan, an iconic bird native to Central and South America. Renowned for their vibrant and oversized bills, these magnificent creatures have long fascinated nature enthusiasts. This particular specimen hails from Guanabara Bay in Brazil, which was once home to the French settlement known as French Antarctica before Rio de Janeiro was established in 1565. The artwork is sourced from "Cosmographie universelle" (1575), a comprehensive book authored by the intrepid French explorer and writer André Thevet (1516-1590). This remarkable publication delves into the history and geography of the lands that Thevet had traversed during his expeditions. Comprising two volumes and four tomes spanning over 1000 pages divided into 23 books, it remains an invaluable resource for those interested in medieval natural history. The woodcut featured here is extracted from chapter XII of book XXI within "Cosmographie universelle". Its intricate details capture the essence of this exotic avian species while offering insight into ornithology, zoology, biology, and wildlife prevalent during that era. Set against a monochrome backdrop reminiscent of ancient times, this artwork transports us back to the lush rainforests where these tropical birds thrive. This mesmerizing print serves as a testament to both historical exploration and our enduring fascination with Earth's diverse fauna.

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