Jong van een nijlpaard aan de waterkant 1787

This 1787 engraving by an anonymous artist depicts a hippopotamus standing on a riverbank. The animal's form is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the texture of the hippo's skin. The title, *Jong van een nijlpaard aan de waterkant*, translates to "Young Hippopotamus on the Bank of the Water," suggesting a focus on the animal's youthfulness and its natural habitat. This artwork is a prime example of the 18th-century fascination with natural history, often depicted through meticulous engravings and illustrations. The scientific classification of the hippopotamus, "Hippopotamus amphibius LINN. Zoolog. BELGIS et C.B.B," emphasizes the importance of natural science during this period.