- 364
Petri von Hartenfels, Georg Christoph
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Petri von Hartenfels, Georg Christoph
- Elephantographia curiosa, seu elephanti descriptio. Erfurt: Johann Heinrich Grosch, 1715
- Paper
First edition, 4to (209 x 160mm.), engraved additional title, printed title in red and black, 27 engraved plates, one folding, and one engraved illustration in the text, contemporary sheep, spine repaired, bookplate removed from front pastedown
Provenance
Monastery of St Peter in Erfurt, presentation inscription from the author “Instructissimae Bibliotheca Regalis Monasterii Petrensis hunc de Elephanto Tractatum in sui memoriam offert Author. Erfordiae, die 3 Novembris, Anno 1714”; inscription of the monastery library on title (dissolved in 1803); ownership inscription on blank recto of frontispiece of “H. Graf du Moulin, München 20 Nov. 1839”
Literature
Nissen ZBI 3149; Schwerdt 2:68; Wood, p.518
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A presentation copy of the first monograph on the elephant, by the Leipzig Burgomaster and professor of medicine, Petri von Hartenfels (1633-1718). The copy is inscribed by him to the Monastery of St Peter in Erfurt.
The plates show methods of capturing and domesticating elephants, as well as their use in commerce, war, sport, and entertainment. The text also covers fossil remains of elephants, and the differences between the Indian and African elephant.