Title: Das gemeine Lama (Common Llama) - Hand-Colored Zoological Print, Circa 1840
Description: This captivating hand-colored lithograph, titled "Das gemeine Lama" (The Common Llama), illustrates the *Auchenia Lama* in a dynamic and graceful pose against a mountainous backdrop, likely inspired by its natural habitat in the Andes. Created around 1840, this print combines detailed zoological accuracy with artistic beauty, making it a treasured example of 19th-century natural history illustration.
The accompanying German text provides insight into the llama's unique characteristics: "The llama belongs to a group with a slim body, resembling camels but without a hump. Its long neck and graceful movements give it an elegant appearance. It serves as a pack animal for the people of the Andes and is also valued for its wool, which is soft, warm, and highly prized. Llamas live in herds in the highlands of Peru and are often confused with alpacas and guanacos."
The condition of this print is very good for its age, with vibrant hand-colored detailing that highlights the llama’s reddish-brown coat and textured fur. The paper is of high quality, with minor foxing and slight edge discoloration that do not detract from the image's appeal. The composition is clean, and the colors remain vivid, underscoring the craftsmanship of this zoological piece.
This rare and charming print would be a fine addition to any collection of natural history art or as a decorative piece celebrating the biodiversity of South America. Its blend of scientific precision and artistic finesse makes it a unique treasure for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.