Large Didactical Model of a Cockchafer or May bug sold by the “ Denoyer-Geppert Company of Chicago 1890 - 19220

Unknown artist

Papier-maché
63 ⨯ 46 ⨯ 19 cm
ConditionVery good
€ 7.000

Spectandum Gallery

• About the artwork
  Beetle model (Melotontha vulgaris), strongly enlarged. One side shows the outer shape, the other the inner constitution and the viscera, legs and wings can be removed.Beetle model (Melotontha vulgaris), strongly enlarged. One side shows the outer shape, the other the inner constitution and the viscera, legs and wings can be removed.This large and impressive didactical model , on its original base,stands almost … cm tall. It was made of paper mache, wood and plaster and all the parts were hand painted.The model was manufactured by Brendel in Germany and distributed through Denoyer-Geppert Company of Chicago.From the late 19th to the first 20th centuries, the Brendel Company produced three-dimensional botanical and animal models as teaching aids. Meant to be observed and physically manipulated by entire classes of students, the models embody both artistic and scientific values, as they were created through an effective cooperation between botanists and model makers. Today these models are renowned for their historical value. Robert Brendel founded the R. Brendel company in Breslau (currently Wroclaw in Poland). He opened in 1866 a factory producing models of anatomy, mineralogy and mainly botanical models designed for teaching. Botanical models are enlargements of plants and flowers. They were made of papier mâché, wood, cotton, bamboo, glass beads, feathers and gelatin ….From the beginning of the company, Robert Brendel surrounds himself with qualified craftsmen and scientists. He benefited from the theoretical advice of a pharmacist, Dr. Carl Leopold Lohmeyer, and botanical advice from Professor Ferdinand Cohn, Director of the Institute of Plant Physiology at the University of Breslau.Throughout the life of the company, collaboration with various renowned scientists, precision and quality of execution have been a permanent concern of the founders father and son, which has earned the company to be internationally recognizedHis son Reinhold (1861-1927) collaborates with his father in the development of the company and succeeds him. He deepened his knowledge of botany, established in 1898 in Grunewald near Berlin and the models produced then show a quality that reaches an unparalleled level.The models were sold via illustrated catalogs, either by mail order or via a network of resellers (in Italy the Paravia firm and in the USA the Denoyer-Geppert Company of Chicago ) and were awarded with numerous awards and medals.
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist

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