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African penguin, Spheniscus demersus
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African penguin, Spheniscus demersus
African penguin, Spheniscus demersus (Pinguin de Bengale, Diomedea demersa). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by S. Leitner jun. after an illustration from nature by Christian Leinberger from Georg Wolfgang Knorrs Deliciae Naturae Selectae of Kabinet van Zeldzaamheden der Natuur, Blusse and Son, Nuremberg, 1771. Specimen from a Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities owned by D. Rudolph
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Media ID 23184636
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Auserlesenes Deliciae Georg Kabinet Knorr Naturae Naturalien Cabinet Oder Penguin Selectae Wolfgang Zoological Demersus Diomedea Jackass Pinguin Spheniscus
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This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the African Penguin, Spheniscus demersus, also known as the Jackass Penguin or the Bengal Penguin. The engraving is based on an illustration from nature by Christian Leinberger, as featured in Georg Wolfgang Knorr's Deliciae Naturae Selectae (Select Rarities of Nature) published by Blusse and Son in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1771. The African Penguin is a distinctive species of penguin native to the southwestern coasts of Africa. They are easily recognizable by their black and white plumage, with a black back and head, and white underparts. The name "Jackass Penguin" comes from their distinctive call, which sounds similar to a donkey's braying. This engraving is a rare and valuable example of early zoological illustration, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and artistry of the time. The African Penguin was a prized addition to the Wunderkammer, or Cabinet of Curiosities, of D. Rudolph. Such collections were popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, and contained a diverse array of natural and artificial objects, often arranged to inspire wonder and curiosity. The African Penguin, as a rare and exotic species, would have been a fascinating and valuable addition to such a collection. The intricacy and beauty of this engraving serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and documenting the natural world for future generations. Today, the African Penguin is considered a vulnerable species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and oil spills. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their populations, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of nature, just as those of the past did.
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