18th-century engraving – The Cayman Lizard-Crocodile (Diderot & d'Alembert Encyclopedia)

Rare and authentic copperplate engraving (intaglio) from the famous Encyclopédie (or Encyclopédie Méthodique de Panckoucke) project. This document is a direct testimony to the Age of Enlightenment and the desire to record the scientific knowledge of the time.
The subject is “The Cayman Lizard-Crocodile.” The plate presents a precise naturalistic study:
Fig. 1: An adult caiman in a dynamic posture.
Fig. 2: A caiman egg from which a newborn emerges, illustrating the species' mode of reproduction.
Engraving director: Robert Bénard (marked “Benard Direxit” in the lower left corner). Bénard was the director of engraving for the Encyclopédie, responsible for the technical accuracy of the plates.
Drawing: Attributed to the studio of Jacques de Sève, a great naturalist illustrator of the 18th century.
Beautiful period proof. Natural foxing and patina confirm its age. The mark of the cuvette (imprint of the copper plate) is visible.
Framed by us to protect the engraving and enhance its presentation.
International shipping. Delivery by Colissimo with careful packaging and reinforced protection of the item.
DIMENSIONS: Frame 30x40cm / Engraving 23.5x31.5cm
DATE: Circa 1770 - 1790 (Enlightenment period)
ORIGIN: Paris, France