The ovis ammon before 1869

This photograph depicts a close-up of the head of an Ovis Ammon, also known as the Argali, taken by Arthur Lucas in the 19th century. The image is a photogravure print, a method of photomechanical reproduction popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image shows a large ram, the largest sheep species in the world. This particular species is found in the high mountains of Central Asia, and is prized for its massive horns. Lucas' photograph, with its detailed rendering of the animal's features, is a valuable record of this magnificent creature.