Salomon Kleiner

[Natural History Studies]

15 x 11 inches

A series of three copper plate engravings depicting flora and fauna in classical settings. Engraved by Probst, Friedrick and Thelott after the drawings of Salomon Kleiner and published in Augsburg in 1734.

The images depict exotic birds and beasts that were brought back to Europe from overseas in the early eighteenth century as curios for the rich and famous. Kleiner has illustrated ostriches, parrots, porcupines, tapirs, monkeys and macaws; all of which would have caused great excitement when seen for the very first time. Salomon Kleiner was born in Augsburg in 1703 and died in Vienna after a successful career in 1761. He is one of the most highly respected and famous German, veduta draughtsmen and engravers of the eighteenth century. Upon arrival in Vienna he trained under Johann August Corvinus and would later collaborate with Corvinus over the publication of his engravings. His work is highly sought after, due to the precise way in which he reproduced the buildings and gardens that typified the Baroque era in Austria and southern Germany. These enchanting scenes are excellent examples of his meticulous and decorative work.

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