Vespertilio murinus Linn

The image employs fine, controlled hatching to suggest the texture of fur, with delicate lines defining facial contours and ear membranes. The engraving’s clarity and restraint point to a methodical, almost topographical approach—typical of scientific illustration in natural history texts. The absence of shading or background isolates the subject, reinforcing its role as a specimen for study rather than a compositional element.

The print likely originated from Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber’s multi-volume work on mammals, published between 1774 and 1804. The presence of the mark 'L1' in the upper-right corner indicates it was once part of a numbered plate in a bound volume. Its current fragmented state suggests later separation, possibly for individual use or sale, a common practice among collectors and institutions seeking specific plates.

During the late 18th century, European naturalists increasingly relied on detailed visual records to support biological classification. Engravings like this one served as portable references for scholars, bridging the gap between field observation and published taxonomy. The inclusion of the engraver’s name, 'Bischoff fe.', reflects the growing recognition of artisan contributors to scientific knowledge, even as their work remained subordinate to the author’s authority.

Though no longer part of its original volume, this fragment endures as an example of Enlightenment-era scientific illustration. Its survival in institutional collections underscores the enduring value of precise visual documentation in natural history. It remains a quiet testament to the collaborative labor of authors, engravers, and publishers who sought to systematize the natural world through image and text.