Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9972
Looking for a special gift? Buy a print of this image.
‘The Little Ant-Eater’ [Silky anteater ?]
Date
1755
Creator
George Edwards (1694 - 1773, British) , Ornithologist
Object type
Library reference
38029
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 286mm
width (print): 220mm
width (print): 220mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Zoological study of a South American anteater, possibly the Silky anteater (Cyclopes didactylus). The animal is shown with two front claws encircling a branch.
Plate 220 from chapter 10 of Gleanings of natural history, exhibiting figures of quadrupeds, birds, insects, plants, &c..., by George Edwards, volume 1 (London, for the author, 1758). Described by Edwards in his accompanying text: “The figure represents it but little less than life: it is about the size of the English squirrel. The original drawing was taken immediately from nature...This animal is covered with very thick soft hair, shining like silk...What is most extraordinary in this animal, is that its having only two claws on each of its fore feet...the hinder feet have four claws...The drawing was taken from the stuffed skin of this animal, well preserved, in the possession of his Excellency Count Perron, Ambassador from the King of Sardinia, who was informed it was brought from the Spanish main in America. Another of these same animals, preserved in spirits, I bought by commission for the late Sir Hans Sloane out of the Duke of Richmond’s collection...It will continue in the British Museum.”
The plate is inscribed: “An animal from the Spanish Main in America drawn near of the Natural Size. Geo Edwards Delin et Sculp. AD 1755.”
Plate 220 from chapter 10 of Gleanings of natural history, exhibiting figures of quadrupeds, birds, insects, plants, &c..., by George Edwards, volume 1 (London, for the author, 1758). Described by Edwards in his accompanying text: “The figure represents it but little less than life: it is about the size of the English squirrel. The original drawing was taken immediately from nature...This animal is covered with very thick soft hair, shining like silk...What is most extraordinary in this animal, is that its having only two claws on each of its fore feet...the hinder feet have four claws...The drawing was taken from the stuffed skin of this animal, well preserved, in the possession of his Excellency Count Perron, Ambassador from the King of Sardinia, who was informed it was brought from the Spanish main in America. Another of these same animals, preserved in spirits, I bought by commission for the late Sir Hans Sloane out of the Duke of Richmond’s collection...It will continue in the British Museum.”
The plate is inscribed: “An animal from the Spanish Main in America drawn near of the Natural Size. Geo Edwards Delin et Sculp. AD 1755.”
Associated place