De nieuwe warande der dieren 1761 - 1804

Here we see a collection of animal images published by Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont. It gives us a glimpse into how animals were perceived and categorized through the cultural lens of the time. The images reflect an era of exploration and discovery, but also one marked by colonial expansion. This is apparent in the ways animals are depicted; often exoticized or presented as specimens for study. How does the act of naming and classifying these animals reflect a desire to control the natural world? Note the somewhat crude rendering of the animals, which might indicate the limited access most people had to these creatures. It is a reminder of how knowledge, and the power that comes with it, was often mediated through artistic interpretation. How did these images influence the public's understanding of wildlife and their place in the world?