A Giraffe, a Chameleon, a Civet, and an Antelope

c. 1597

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

The image depicts an elevated view of four animals gathered on a clear ground with vegetation in the foreground. In the background, there is a village with houses, trees, and a winding path. The horizon is above the center, with hills visible further back. The illustration is detailed with precise linework in an engraving style. The color scheme is monochrome with sepia tones. The sky features stylized clouds.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 12.2 × 18.8 cm (4 13/16 × 7 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 12.6 × 19.3 cm (4 15/16 × 7 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1972.28.87

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1479, State i/ii

  • Series Title

    Animalium Quadrupedum: pl.17 [New Holl. 1462-1481]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Lucien Goldschmidt, Inc., New York); purchased by the NGA, 1972.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2025

  • Little Beasts: Art Wonder and the Natural World, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2025.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Collaert Dynasty, Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesburg, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1479, state i/ii.

Wikidata ID

Q65564309

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