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Fossil skeleton of a Great Beast, Megatherium
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Fossil skeleton of a Great Beast, Megatherium
Fossil skeleton of a Great Beast, Megatherium, an extinct elephant-sized ground sloth.. Copperplate stipple engraving from Frederic Cuviers Dictionary of Natural Science: Mammals, Paris, France, 1816. Illustration by J. G. Pretre, engraved by Massard, directed by Pierre Jean-Francois 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 14214974
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Beast Cuvier Dictionary Extinct Fossil Frederic Gabriel Megatherium Pleistocene Pliocene Pretre Skeleton Sloth Stipple
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This stunning copperplate stipple engraving depicts the fossil skeleton of the extinct Great Beast, Megatherium, an elephant-sized ground sloth that roamed South America during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs. The illustration is taken from Frederic Cuvier's Dictionary of Natural Science: Mammals, published in Paris, France, in 1816. The meticulous engraving was created by J.G. Pretre, a painter of natural history at Empress Josephine's zoo, and directed by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin. The engraving was published by F.G. Levrault. The Megatherium, meaning "great beast" in Greek, was one of the largest sloths ever discovered, with some estimates suggesting it could weigh up to 15 tons. Its massive size and powerful limbs allowed it to traverse the rugged terrain of South America with ease. The skeleton depicted in this engraving reveals the creature's robust build, with its long, curved claws, and elongated vertebrae in its tail, which may have been used for balance and support. The hand-colored engraving showcases the intricate details of the Megatherium's skeleton, highlighting its unique anatomy and the impressive size of its bones. The use of the copperplate stipple engraving technique adds depth and texture to the image, making it a captivating representation of this extinct megafauna. This engraving is not only an important historical record of the Megatherium but also a testament to the artistic skill and dedication of the naturalists and artists of the time.
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