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1795 Wild Man of the woods - orangutan
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1795 Wild Man of the woods - orangutan
1795 " The Orang Outang, or Wild Man of the Woods" (sic). J. Thle del et J. Chapman sculpt. from J. Frid Gmelin and Carl Linnaeus (posthumous). A Genuine and Universal System of Natural History comprising the three Kingdoms of Animals, Vegetables and Minerals. Arranged under their respective Classes, Orders, Genera and Species. Published in London, 1794 Ôé¼" 1810. Linnaeus wrote to Gmelin in 1747 " It is not pleasing that I placed humans among the primates, but man knows himself", " if I called man an ape or vice versa I would bring together all the theologians against me. Perhaps I ought to scientifically". Images like this, that emphasised the human qualities of apes - or wild men of the woods - were common from the 16th Century up to the early 19th Century
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6315755
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century Ancestor Anthropomorphic Descent Hominid Linnaeus Natural History Orang Orang Utan Origin Religion Taxonomy Anthropoid Gmelin Linne Outang Pongo Pygmaeus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "1795 Wild Man of the woods - orangutan" takes us back to the 18th century, a time when scientific exploration and curiosity were at their peak. The image is an illustration from J. Frid Gmelin and Carl Linnaeus' posthumous work, "A Genuine and Universal System of Natural History" published in London between 1794 and 1810. The photograph showcases an orangutan, also known as the "Wild Man of the Woods". It highlights how images like this were prevalent during that era, emphasizing the human-like qualities of apes. This portrayal was common from the 16th century until the early 19th century. Linnaeus himself acknowledged his discomfort with classifying humans among primates due to potential theological backlash. He wrote to Gmelin in 1747 stating that if he called man an ape or vice versa, it would bring all theologians against him. However, he recognized that man knows himself best and perhaps should be scientifically classified. The image raises questions about our origins, taxonomy, descent, and ancestral connections with anthropoids such as orangutans. It invites contemplation on humanity's place within nature while acknowledging religious sensitivities surrounding these discussions. Paul D. Stewart's skillful reproduction allows us to appreciate this historical artwork for its scientific significance and artistic beauty alike. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing piece from Science Photo Library's collection on natural history illustrations from centuries past, we are reminded of our intricate relationship with nature and our continuous quest for knowledge about ourselves as well as other species inhabiting our planet.
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