Getting started with the collection:
Album Sheet with a Civet
anonymous, c. 1572
Even if stiff, the strict profile view seen here is typical of natural history illustrations of the time. It was probably a deliberate choice by the artist to give the depiction on objective ‘scientific’ status by focussing on the animal’s colour and markings. Civet cats are native to Africa and Asia, but this one – given its collar – must have been held in captivity.
- Artwork typedrawing
- Object numberRP-T-1952-358
- Dimensionsheight 176 mm x width 294 mm x height 209 mm x width 310 mm
- Physical characteristicspen and brown and black ink, watercolour on paper