Marechal, Nicolas (1753-1803) (After); Simon Charles Miger (1736-1820) (Engraver) — Bos Taurus Indicus (le Zebu)

Paris: Miger, Patris, Grandcher & Dentu, An X. 1801. Engraving. 35 x 53 cm (sheet). Very Good, light water staining, mostly in the margins, light specks of foxing. Reference: Benezit, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs, vol. 9, p. 611; Anker 275; BM(NH) IV, p. 1517; Brunet III, 725; Nissen ZBI 2353. La menagerie du Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, ou Description et histoire des animaux qui y vivent et qui y ont vecu. In 1793,after the French Revolution, the former royal garden and collection became the Botanical Garden and the National Museum of Natural History. A zoo linked with the museum was also established, replacing the royal menagerie at Versailles. Until then, people had seen animals in traveling shows, where they were exhibited as curiosities. Traveling menageries were soon banned in Paris, ensuring a steady stream of visitors to the new zoo. The eminent naturalists Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825), Cuvier and Geoffroy compiled a catalog of the animals in the zoo in 1801. Nicolas Marechal, the museum's painter, documented the animals of the new zoo in watercolor paintings on vellum. The post-Revolution political mores the personnel associated with this project are referred to as 'citoyens' (citizens). The print is dedicated to 'Citizen Faujas-St. Pond, Professor of Geology at the National Museum of Natural History, Inspector of Mines of France, etc. by Citizen Miger.' (Dedication in French reads: Dedie au Citoyen Faujas-St. Pond; Professeur de Geologie au Museum National d'histoire Naturelle, Inspecteur des Mines de France & par le Citoyen Miger'). .