Rare Antique Engraving by Johann Elias Ridinger (c. 1768) – "Simia Personata" (Masked Monkey from Guinea) – Hand-Colored

A top piece for collectors of 18th-century natural history art.

This stunning, hand-colored copper engraving is an original work by Johann Elias Ridinger (1698–1767), the most celebrated animal engraver of the German Baroque. The print bears the title "Simia Personata, ex Guinea" and shows an impressive depiction of a mandrill in an exotic landscape with a palm tree.

This copy (Thienemann 1012) comes from the famous series "Das Thierreich", which was completed by Ridinger's sons in Augsburg shortly after his death. What makes this print special is the beautiful early 18th-century coloring and the detailed depiction of the fur and the monkey's characteristic face.

• Artist: Johann Elias Ridinger.
• Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving (alt-colored).
• Date: ca. 1768-1770.
• Text: Provided with Latin, German, and French captions.
• Condition: Authentic condition with characteristic signs of age (slight foxing/spots at the top left), which contributes to the antique appearance. Framed in a classic  frame.
• Size: Frame is approximately 47 by 35 cm.

Monkeys were a symbol of exoticism and curiosity in the 18th century. Such a print by Ridinger is a rare find and a beautiful statement in any interior.