Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10022
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‘The Grey Baboon’ [Barbary macaque]
Date
1790
Creator
James Sowerby (1757 - 1822, British) , Painter
Object type
Library reference
Tracts/X51/10
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 266mm
width (print): 212mm
width (print): 212mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Zoological study of the Olive baboon Papio anubis, native to Central Africa. The baboon is shown seated in a forest, with two more of the animals in the background.
Plate 3 from the book Speculum Linnaeanum: or Linnean zoology; containing a complete illustration of the zoological part of the Systema Naturae of Linnaeus...by George Shaw, the figures by James Sowerby (London, 1790). The baboon is described in the text: “Most of the larger species of this genus, particularly those which are distinguished by the title of Baboons, seem possessed of an uncommon degree of obstinate moroseness, and are fierce, intractable and indocile. The present species in these respects seems to surpass the rest of its congeners, and is, when in a state of confinement, of a disposition so rude and unquiet, and of manners so peculiarly indecorous, as to frustrate all attempts to civilise and reclaim it.”
Plate 3 from the book Speculum Linnaeanum: or Linnean zoology; containing a complete illustration of the zoological part of the Systema Naturae of Linnaeus...by George Shaw, the figures by James Sowerby (London, 1790). The baboon is described in the text: “Most of the larger species of this genus, particularly those which are distinguished by the title of Baboons, seem possessed of an uncommon degree of obstinate moroseness, and are fierce, intractable and indocile. The present species in these respects seems to surpass the rest of its congeners, and is, when in a state of confinement, of a disposition so rude and unquiet, and of manners so peculiarly indecorous, as to frustrate all attempts to civilise and reclaim it.”
Associated place