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1835 Fossa Crytoprocta by Edward Lear
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1835 Fossa Crytoprocta by Edward Lear
Plate 14 from Volume 1 Trans Zool Soc London, 1835, " Notice of a Mammiferous Animal from Madagascar, constituting a New Form among the Viverridous Carnivora" with contemporary hand colouring as issued. The plate illustrates the first scientific description and naming of the Fossa in the Transactions of the Zoological Society of London (communicated to ZSL by E.T. Bennet 9 April 1833). This plate was engraved by Zeitler from a painting by Edward Lear (1812-1888) who went on to be more famous for his literary nonsense poems. He was however a talented painter employed early in has career by the Zoological Society. Bennet notes that the animal is rather cat like, though not of the feline group. The engraving, based on a dead specimen, perhaps goes too far in this direction. The animal was sent to him by Mr. Telfair who remarked " it is the most savage creature of its size I ever met with"
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319497
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Artist Colour Engraving Madagascar Natural History Predator Convergent Evolution Cryptoprocta Ferox Edward Lear Fosa Fossa New Species
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Edward Lear's remarkable artwork from 1835, specifically Plate 14 from Volume 1 of the Transactions of the Zoological Society of London. The plate features a hand-colored engraving by Zeitler, based on Lear's painting, depicting the first scientific description and naming of the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) - a fascinating new species discovered in Madagascar. Lear, renowned for his later literary nonsense poems, was an exceptionally talented painter employed by the Zoological Society early in his career. This particular piece highlights his artistic prowess as he skillfully captures the essence of this enigmatic predator. The Fossa is portrayed with cat-like characteristics but does not belong to the feline group. Although based on a deceased specimen, some argue that Lear's engraving may have exaggerated certain features towards a more felid appearance. Interestingly enough, Mr. Telfair who sent this savage creature to E. T. Bennet noted that it was "the most savage creature of its size" he had ever encountered. With intricate details and contemporary hand coloring as originally issued, this print provides us with a glimpse into both natural history and artistry during the 19th century. It serves as a testament to Lear's early contributions to zoological illustration and sheds light on convergent evolution within animal species. Paul D. Stewart beautifully captures this historical masterpiece through his lens while preserving its significance in our understanding of Madagascar's unique wildlife and Edward Lear's multifaceted talent as an artist.
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