Descripción

Amsterdam, Pierre Meijer, 1769. 4to (27.4 x 21.1 cm). Eight pp. (including title page and rear blank); one engraved plate. Disbound. = Vosmaer was director of the menagerie of Prince Willem V of the Netherlands. Many strange animals were captured and sent to the zoo by Dutch traders who roamed the world. These animals were kept and studied by Vosmaer, who published his findings in a series of treatises, each discussing a different animal. This treatise contains an early description and illustration of the Guiana cock-of-the-rock bird [Rupicola rupicola (L.)], and notes on systematics, especially regarding similar or related species. Also with some remarks on its behaviour and diet. The plate was drawn by Aert Schouman (1710-1792) and engraved by the famous copper engraver Simon Fokke (1712-1784). In 1795 the collection was brought to Paris as a war trophy (Pieters). A very good clean copy of the rare French edition with a clean plate. F. Pieters, 1980 Notes on the menagerie and zoological cabinet of Stadholder William V of Holland, directed by Aernout Vosmaer.