Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), engraving
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Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), engraving
Great Auk. Engraved plate of a Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), a bird that became extinct in the mid-19th century. This was the last species of a genus of giant flightless birds, and the only species to survive until modern times. Although hunted by native populations in northern Europe and America, it was hunting for its down that brought Great Auk populations close to extincion. The last colony was discovered on the island of Eldey near Iceland, in less than ten years the birds had all been killed, ironically to sell the pelts to museums for preservation and display. This illustration comes from Old Worms Museum Wormianum, published at Amsterdam in 1655, and purports to show a Great Auk kept as a pet by Professor Worm himself
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6296429
© MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1600s 17th Century Bird Down Engraving Extinct Flight Less Hunted Ornithology Vertical Great Auk Mono Chrome Pinguinus Impennis
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), an extraordinary bird that sadly became extinct in the mid-19th century. The engraving depicts a plate of this remarkable creature, which was the last surviving species of its genus and one of the few flightless birds to exist until modern times. Native populations in northern Europe and America hunted these majestic birds, but it was their down feathers that ultimately pushed them to the brink of extinction. The image reveals a tragic irony as it portrays a Great Auk being kept as a pet by Professor Worm himself. Published in Amsterdam in 1655 as part of Old Worms Museum Wormianum, this illustration provides us with a glimpse into history and highlights humanity's role in driving certain species towards annihilation. It is disheartening to learn that the last colony of Great Auks was discovered on Eldey Island near Iceland, only for all these magnificent creatures to be mercilessly killed within ten years. Their pelts were sought after by museums for preservation and display purposes, sealing their fate forever. This monochrome engraving from the 17th century not only serves as an important historical artifact but also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve Earth's diverse wildlife. Let this image serve as a poignant reminder of what we have lost and inspire us to take action towards preventing further extinctions.
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