Antique Handcolored Engraving of Chevrotains and Small Deer, Quadruped LI, c.1800
This original handcolored copperplate engraving features a variety of chevrotains and small deer, illustrating their delicate physiques and spotted patterns. The engraving is part of Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), a celebrated 12-volume natural history encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830, renowned for its artistic and educational contributions.
The engraving includes: 1. A greater mouse-deer or chevrotain (*Tragulus napu*), notable for its small stature and sleek body (Fig. 1). 2. A resting chevrotain, likely the lesser mouse-deer (*Tragulus kanchil*), depicted with its characteristic markings (Fig. 2). 3. A spotted fawn, likely a young deer such as a chital or fallow deer (*Axis axis* or *Dama dama*), with its iconic spotted coat (Fig. 3). 4. A diminutive deer species, possibly a pudu (*Pudu puda*), recognized for its tiny size and delicate frame (Fig. 4).
This detailed engraving captures the elegance and diversity of small deer and related species, making it a valuable addition to collections of natural history art, antique prints, or zoological illustrations.
Condition Report: Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, no text on verso. Colors remain vibrant and well preserved. Please review images carefully.
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