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1835 Maneless Indian Lion by Edward Lear
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1835 Maneless Indian Lion by Edward Lear
Plate 24 from Volume 1 Trans. Zool. Soc. London, 1835, " Some Account of the maneless Lion of Guzerat" with contemporary hand colouring as issued. The plate illustrates the first scientific confirmation, with a specimen, of the maneless Indian lion. It was communicated to the Zoological Society of London by Captain Walter Smee 1833. This plate was engraved by Zeitler from a painting by Edward Lear (1812-1888) who went on to be more famous for his literary nonsense poems. He was however a talented painter employed early in his career by the Zoological Society. In the accompanying article, Captain Smee writes of the lion " there exists a race in which the king of beasts is destitute of the flowing mane which constitutes the most remarkable of his regal ornaments"
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Media ID 6319299
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Artist Colour Engraving Mane Natural History Panthera Leo Predator Sexual Selection New Species
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the 1835 Maneless Indian Lion, a groundbreaking discovery in the world of natural history. Illustrated by Edward Lear and engraved by Zeitler, this plate from Volume 1 Trans. Zool. Soc. London depicts the first scientific confirmation of the maneless Indian lion, as communicated to the Zoological Society of London by Captain Walter Smee in 1833. The image is beautifully hand-colored, bringing to life this extraordinary specimen that defies traditional expectations of a regal lion's appearance. In his accompanying article, Captain Smee describes this unique race of lions as lacking the flowing mane that typically adorns their majestic heads. Edward Lear, renowned for his literary nonsense poems, demonstrates his early talent as a painter through this intricate artwork commissioned by the Zoological Society. The attention to detail and vibrant colors highlight both Lear's artistic skill and his dedication to capturing nature's wonders. This engraving not only serves as an important historical document but also sheds light on sexual selection within panthera leo species. The absence of manes in these particular lions suggests an intriguing evolutionary adaptation or genetic variation specific to the Gir region in India. Paul D. Stewart masterfully captures this piece from Science Photo Library, allowing us to appreciate its significance in uncovering new species and expanding our understanding of wildlife diversity during the 19th century.
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