Mammal naturalist plate: Raccoon by d'Orbigny

This reproduction of a naturalist plate features two specimens of raccoons (Procyon lotor) within a detailed plant composition. The illustration captures with precision the anatomy of these mammals, one figured in an observing attitude while the other is feeding. The finesse of the line highlights the texture of the gray and brown fur, characteristic of the species, as well as the emblematic facial markings.

The original work belongs to the Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle, directed by Charles d'Orbigny between 1841 and 1849. This monumental 19th-century work represents one of the peaks of scientific illustration, combining documentary rigor with academic aesthetics. The engraving testifies to the era's encyclopedic effort to document global fauna with remarkable visual clarity.

This antique plate constitutes a choice iconographic document for zoology enthusiasts and collectors of scientific imagery. Its timeless character and naturalist subject fit perfectly into a cabinet of curiosities or an interior decoration seeking a note of classical erudition. It invites the contemplation of biodiversity through the prism of the history of science.