Bidspirit auction | Johann Joachim Becher (1635–1682) –

Johann Joachim Becher (1635–1682) – Set of 2 Zoological Prints – Der Wolf (Lupus) & Der Esel – Hand-Colored Woodcuts (Late 17th Century) - This rare set of zoological folio pages from Johann Joachim Becher’s Zoologia features hand-colored woodcuts and German blackletter text. One page (No. 14) depicts Der Wolf (Lupus), portrayed in profile with anatomical detail and poetic commentary on its nature, strength, and uses in apothecary remedies. The second page (No. 16) presents Der Esel (the donkey), also surrounded by verse and popular medicinal associations. Each entry combines early scientific curiosity with allegorical and practical reflections, typical of Baroque-era natural philosophy. The illustrations are printed from woodcuts and hand-colored in earthy tones, with visible laid paper structure and historic watermarks.Johann Joachim Becher (1635–1682) was a German physician, chemist, and polymath whose work bridged natural science and proto-chemistry. While best known for his theories in alchemy and economics, Becher also contributed significantly to natural history through encyclopedic works like Zoologia, which blended empirical description with allegorical and medicinal insights.Artist or Maker: Johann Joachim BecherDimensions: 32 cm x 19 cm Medium: Hand-Colored Woodcut on Laid PaperDate: Late 17th CenturyCondition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.