Wild Cats of the World — Hand-Colored Natural History Engraving, Bertuch c.1790
This finely detailed late-18th-century natural history engraving depicts a group of wild quadrupeds, presented as six individual figures arranged across the sheet. The animals include a reclining lion, a standing lioness, a tiger in motion, and several spotted and striped wild cats, each carefully differentiated by posture, coat pattern, and expression. The plate reflects the Enlightenment-era ambition to classify and visually compare animal species through clear, instructive imagery.
The print is titled “Vierf Thiere V / Animalia quadrup. V / Quadruped. V” and was published as plate 8 in volume I of Bilderbuch für Kinder (Picture Book for Children), the celebrated educational encyclopedia edited by Friedrich Justin Bertuch and issued in Weimar between 1790 and 1830. This monumental project comprised twelve volumes with a total of 1,185 hand-colored plates and approximately 6,000 individual engravings, making it one of the most ambitious illustrated educational works of its time.
Bertuch’s Bilderbuch für Kinder was intended not only for children but also for families, teachers, and collectors, presenting knowledge of nature, geography, technology, and culture in a visually engaging and accessible format. The engravings were produced by artists associated with the Princely Free Drawing School in Weimar, ensuring a consistently high artistic and technical standard.
This plate was engraved by Jacob Xaver Schmuzer, after various zoological sources. Schmuzer was a highly respected German engraver, particularly known for his contributions to illustrated natural history works, including Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte by Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm. His confident line work and careful modeling are evident here, especially in the rendering of fur texture, musculature, and movement. The original hand coloring adds warmth and clarity, enhancing both the scientific and decorative qualities of the image.
Today, prints from Bertuch’s Bilderbuch are sought after by collectors of natural history, animal imagery, and Enlightenment-era educational material. With its balanced composition and richly detailed animal figures, this engraving also works beautifully as wall art, appealing equally to collectors, interior designers, and admirers of early zoological illustration.
Condition report: Good condition for its age. Light overall toning and minor handling wear consistent with late-18th-century paper. Original hand coloring well preserved. Please study the image carefully for exact condition.
Framing tips: A natural wood, light walnut, or simple black frame complements the subject. Use an off-white or light cream mat to highlight the hand coloring and give the figures visual space.
Technique: Etching with original hand coloring on laid paper Maker: Jacob Xaver Schmuzer after various sources, published by Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Weimar, circa 1790
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