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Macropus sp. (Kangaroo), 1788. Creator: John Hunter
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Macropus sp. (Kangaroo), 1788. Creator: John Hunter
Macropus sp. (Kangaroo), 1788. From Port Jackson (present-day Sydney, Australia)
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Media ID 36334883
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Australia Australian Darkness John Hunter Kangaroo Marsupial Natural History Scale Sepia Shadow Shadows Size Watercolor Paint
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John Hunter's Macropus sp. (Kangaroo), 1788: A Testament to Early Natural History Discoveries This exquisite 18th-century drawing by renowned British surgeon and naturalist, John Hunter (1728-1793), depicts a Macropus sp. or kangaroo, captured in 1788 from Port Jackson, now known as Sydney, Australia. The drawing, held in the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a remarkable testament to the early European exploration and documentation of the natural world, particularly the unique fauna of the Australian continent. The intricately detailed artwork is executed in ink, watercolor paint, and sepia, with the kangaroo rendered in lifelike accuracy, showcasing its distinctive features such as its powerful hind legs, long tail, and large, expressive eyes. The background is shrouded in darkness, with the animal's form illuminated by the shadows cast upon the paper, creating a striking contrast and enhancing the animal's presence. This drawing holds significant historical importance as it represents one of the earliest European records of the kangaroo, which was not yet known to the Western world at the time. The Dutch, British, and other European explorers were making their first forays into the vast, largely unexplored territories of the Australian continent, and discoveries like this one helped to expand the European understanding of the natural world. The drawing's scale, though not large, belies the meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy that Hunter brought to his work. His natural history studies, which also included extensive research on human anatomy, helped to advance the fields of both medicine and natural history during the Enlightenment period. Today, this drawing serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of scientific discovery and the enduring fascination with the natural world that continues to inspire and captivate us.
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