1861 Du Chaillu ape The Gorilla
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
1861 Du Chaillu ape The Gorilla
Frontispiece illustration, natural tone, of Paul Du Chaillus 1861 " Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa" published by John Murray, London. Du Chaillu popularised the virtually unknown Gorilla in London in the early 1860 s. This caused a sensation partly on account of Darwins recent publication of " On the Origin of Species" in 1859. Du Chaillus accounts made himself the first European to have seen the species alive, and the gorilla to be very fierce. Gorillas had been described by Dr. Savage, a missionary in " The Gaboon", in 1847 from native accounts rather than personal observation. (see 1853 gorilla, this collection). Du Chaillus image is based closely on that of Marie Firmin Boucourt 1858 (with an added fig leaf ). Du Chaillu brought back preserved specimens for European Museums and delivered several to Sir Richard Owen at the British Museum
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6347877
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
British Museum Discovery Exploration Gorilla Richard Owen
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the frontispiece illustration from Paul Du Chaillu's renowned book "Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa" published in 1861 by John Murray, London. In this groundbreaking work, Du Chaillu introduced the enigmatic Gorilla to the people of London during the early 1860s. The timing of his revelation was particularly significant as it coincided with Charles Darwin's revolutionary publication "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. Du Chaillu's accounts became a sensation, solidifying his position as the first European to have encountered these majestic creatures alive. He portrayed gorillas as incredibly fierce beings, challenging preconceived notions about their nature. Prior to Du Chaillu's expeditions, knowledge about gorillas had been limited to native accounts described by Dr. Savage, a missionary stationed in "The Gaboon" back in 1847. The image depicted here closely resembles Marie Firmin Boucourt's original artwork from 1858 but includes an added fig leaf for modesty. It is worth noting that Du Chaillu not only brought back preserved specimens for European Museums but also delivered several to Sir Richard Owen at the British Museum. This print serves as a testament to Du Chaillu's remarkable discovery and exploration efforts while shedding light on Richard Owen's invaluable contributions towards understanding these magnificent apes at the British Museum.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
