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1 of 253523 objects
White-Throated Toucan c.1705?
Watercolour and bodycolour with gum arabic on vellum | 30.4 x 38.1 cm (whole object) | RCIN 921238
Workshop of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
White-Throated Toucan c.1705?
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A watercolour of a White-Throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus) standing, in profile to the left, with its head and colourful, large, open beak turned to right. The toucan is a native of Suriname, although this drawing was probably made from a dried skin transported to Amsterdam. As the artist did not have access to a live bird, its posture is unnatural, and the colouring is also inexact. Another version of this drawing, with a bird in the toucan's beak, is among the Sloane drawings at the British Museum.
Provenance
Dr Richard Mead (1673–1754); his sale (London, Abraham Langford, 13–16 January 1755, lot 66), where purchased by an unknown collector; sold 15 June 1768 (London, Paterson and Eve, lot 572), where purchased by Sir John Hill via Wilson; George III by c.1810
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour with gum arabic on vellum
Measurements
30.4 x 38.1 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 21238Alternative title(s)
Unused design for the Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium