Description
This print was issued as the frontispiece from the first edition of one of the important natural history books of the 18th century, Memoires pour servir a l’Histoire Naturelle des Animaux by Claude Perrault published in 1771 by the Académie Royale des Sciences. The book describes twenty-nine animal species – some newly discovered — such as the lynx, porcupine, eagle, cormorant, and ostriches. There are two editions of this book, both of which can be found in university libraries and museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yale Library, University of Michigan Library, and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Altogether, this print is a vivid portrait of 17th century intellectual life, highlighting Louis XIV as a central, almost divine figure in the early advancement of scientific inquiry in Europe.
Sébastien Le Clerc was a French engraver and draftsman celebrated for his meticulous, technically precise prints. Born in Metz, he began his career studying mathematics and military engineering, a background that later informed the clarity and structure of his artwork. He eventually moved to Paris, where his skill as an engraver gained the attention of King Louis XIV. Le Clerc became associated with the royal court and the Académie Royale des Sciences, producing illustrations that documented scientific discoveries and architectural achievements during Louis XIV’s reign. He was also a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture and authored instructional texts on drawing and perspective. His work reflects the intersection of science, art, and royal power in 17th-century France, and he remains one of the period’s most influential figures in visual culture.
Condition: Generally very good, recently professionally cleaned and deacidified with only light remaining toning, wear, handling..
References
“Mémoires pour servir à l’histoire naturelle des animaux.” Smithsonian Institute. https://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/meymoirespourse00perr (10 April 2025).
“Sebastien Leclerc.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9bastien_Leclerc (10 April 2025).
