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Endangered geometric tortoise, Psammobates
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Endangered geometric tortoise, Psammobates
Endangered geometric tortoise, Psammobates geometricus, and mata mata turtle, Chelus fimbriatus.. Handcolored copperplate stipple engraving from Jussieus Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles 1816-1830. Illustration by J.G. Pretre, engraved by Massard, directed by Turpin, and published by F. G. Levrault. Jean Gabriel Pretre (1780-1845) was painter of natural history at Empress Josephines zoo and later became artist to the Museum of Natural History
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Media ID 14213959
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Cloquet Dictionnaire Endangered Fimbriatus Gabriel Geometric Hippolyte Jussieu Massard Mata Naturelles Pretre Psammobates Reptile Sciences Stipple Tortoise Turtle
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This stunning handcolored copperplate stipple engraving, published by F. G. Levrault between 1816 and 1830, showcases two endangered species of tortoises and a turtle from the natural history collection of Empress Josephine of France. The engraving, directed by Turpin and beautifully executed by Massard under the guidance of painter J.G. Pretre, features the geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) and the mata mata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus). The geometric tortoise, also known as the geometric box turtle, is native to the arid regions of Africa, specifically in the Sahara Desert and the Sahel. This endangered species is easily recognized by its intricate, geometric patterns on its carapace, which serves as excellent camouflage in its sandy habitat. The mata mata turtle, on the other hand, is a large, freshwater turtle native to South America. This critically endangered species is also known as the "pirate turtle" due to its distinctive mask-like face and its ability to camouflage itself by lying flat on the water's surface, resembling a floating log. Both species are depicted in remarkable detail in this historical engraving, which highlights the importance of natural history collections during the early 19th century. Pretre's artistic talent and the meticulous engraving techniques employed by Massard and Turpin have resulted in a visually stunning and scientifically accurate representation of these fascinating creatures. Today, conservation efforts are underway to protect these endangered species and preserve them for future generations to appreciate and study.
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