Antique Print of Dog Skulls from Iceland and Greenland – Gaimard, 1842
This finely detailed lithograph presents comparative studies of canine skulls, titled *Crâne de chien des Esquimaux* (Skull of the Eskimo Dog) and *Crâne de chien d’Islande* (Skull of the Icelandic Dog). Five skulls are illustrated from different angles, including dorsal, lateral, and ventral views. The engraver has captured not only the distinctive morphology of each skull but also the subtle differences between the Greenland sled dog and the smaller Icelandic sheepdog, both vital to survival in northern environments.
The plate was published in *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland* (Paris, 1842), Paul Gaimard’s monumental account of his 1835 expedition. While the voyage’s official goal was to locate the missing expedition of Jean de Blosseville, it instead produced an extraordinary scientific survey of the natural history, ethnography, and culture of Iceland and Greenland. The inclusion of detailed osteological plates reflects the expedition’s ambition to document not only living species but also their anatomical structures, a practice in line with the scientific rigor of 19th-century natural history.
The drawings were made by Louis Bévalet, whose precision ensured anatomical accuracy, and lithographed by J. Bernard. Unlike the hand-colored zoological plates, this print is rendered in monochrome lithography, emphasizing form and structure over decorative appeal. Its stark detail gives it an elegant, almost sculptural quality.
Collectors prize this plate for its rarity and for the insight it provides into early comparative zoology and ethnographic context, showing the importance of dogs in both Greenlandic and Icelandic society.
Condition report: Crisp impression with sharp detail. Wide margins with minor foxing and light toning, mainly at the sheet edges, not affecting the illustrations. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: This print is particularly suited to a minimalist presentation. A simple black frame with a white or ivory mat emphasizes the anatomical precision, while a double mat with a soft grey inner border can highlight its scientific aesthetic.
Technique: Lithograph Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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