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Lot 178

Aloys Zötl
(Austrian, 1831-1887)
A study of a Pygmy Rattlesnake, Sistrurus (Croatus) miliarius, 27.9 x 36.8 cm. (11 x 14 1/2 in.)

9 May 2006, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

£15,000 - £20,000

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Aloys Zötl (Austrian, 1831-1887)

A study of a Pygmy Rattlesnake, Sistrurus (Croatus) miliarius,
signed 'A Zotl pinx', dated '2 Februar 1855' inscribed 'Der Schleider Klapperer. Croatalus miliarius. Lebt in wärmeren Nordamerica, unt ist vegen ihrer Giftzähne sehr gefürchtet. Die abbildung zeugt natürliche Grösser'
watercolour
27.9 x 36.8 cm. (11 x 14 1/2 in.)

Footnotes

The inscription can be translated thus:
"The (Schleider) Rattlesnake, Croatalus miliarus. It lives in warmer North America and is feared for its poisonous teeth. The illustration shows it full size".

Zotl was born in Freidstadt, Northern Austria and from 1832 to 1887 he painted a sumptuous series of works to form a bestiary which was later praised by André Breton and the Surrealists.

Here Zotl depicts the Pygmy Rattlesnake which is found in the southern United States of America. It is a venomous snake with a reputation for being aggresive and quick to strike.

Additional information