Animalum Collection

Sea Monster, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1553 (colour litho)
FAT877032 Sea Monster, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1553 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Hedgehog, illustration from Historiae animalium by Conrad Gesner
GIA877023 Hedgehog, illustration from Historiae animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1555 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Unicorn, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner
877031 Unicorn, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1551 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Fantastical Sea Monster, illustration from Historiae animalium
GIA877029 Fantastical Sea Monster, illustration from Historiae animalium by Conrad Gesner (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Sea Monsters, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner
GIA877028 Sea Monsters, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Sea Monster attacking a Ship, illustration from Historiae Animalium
GIA877027 Sea Monster attacking a Ship, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Sea Monster eating a human, illustration from Historiae Animalium
GIA877026 Sea Monster eating a human, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Badger, illustration from Historia Animalium by Conrad Gesner
GIA877022 Badger, illustration from Historia Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Frontispiece of Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1551 (colour litho)
GIA877024 Frontispiece of Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1551 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Representation of a Camel, illustration from Historiae animalium
GIA877021 Representation of a Camel, illustration from Historiae animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Sea Monster and Ship, illustration from Historiae Animalium bu Conrad Gesner
GIA877025 Sea Monster and Ship, illustration from Historiae Animalium bu Conrad Gesner, 1560 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Milan, Lombardy

Unicorn, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner
GIA877030 Unicorn, illustration from Historiae Animalium by Conrad Gesner, 1551 (colour litho) by Swiss School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Half-title of De Motu Animalum Giovanni Borelli, (Leyden, 1710). Giovanni Alfonso Borelli (1608-1679), Italian physiologist and physician, first published this book in 1680-1686

Lycanthropy: Forest demon captured Germany 1531 and said to inhabit forests round Salzburg & Hamburg. Perhaps witch wearing uncured skin - primitive rite which could have given rise to were-wolf

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"Exploring the Mythical and Majestic: A Glimpse into 'Animalum'" Step into the enchanting world of 'Animalum', as depicted in Conrad Gesner's illustrious illustrations from Historiae animalium. From hedgehogs to unicorns, sea monsters to badgers, this captivating collection showcases a diverse array of creatures both real and fantastical. Intriguingly, Gesner's depiction of a hedgehog reminds us of nature's wonders on land. With its spiky exterior and adorable demeanor, this tiny creature captures our hearts with its unique charm. Venturing into the realm of fantasy, we encounter the mythical unicorn. Gesner's illustration transports us to a world where magic intertwines with reality, reminding us that imagination knows no bounds. Diving beneath the waves, we are confronted by fantastical sea monsters that stir our curiosity. These awe-inspiring creatures captivate our imaginations as they roam through mysterious depths, leaving us in awe of their sheer magnitude. However, not all encounters with these sea monsters end well. As depicted in another illustration from Historiae Animalium, one such beast attacks a ship while another devours a helpless human. These vivid depictions serve as cautionary tales about the dangers lurking within uncharted waters. Returning to terra firma, Gesner presents an exquisite portrayal of a badger - an often overlooked creature whose tenacity and resilience deserve recognition. This illustration serves as a reminder that beauty can be found even in the most unexpected places. The frontispiece of Historiae Animalium further entices readers into this mesmerizing world filled with wonder and discovery. Its vibrant colors invite exploration and promise endless surprises within its pages. Giovanni Borelli adds his own touch to 'Animalum' with his half-title representation featuring camels - majestic animals known for their endurance across vast deserts. This inclusion highlights how different cultures have contributed to our understanding of the animal kingdom throughout history.