Louis-Eustache ANSELIN (Saint-Omer, 1727 - Amiens, 1810) Snake Fixed under glass. 13,9 x 49 cm On the original background cardboard, an inscription in ink and pen: "copy of the certificate of the first engraver of the former government. I, the undersigned, certify that Mr. Anselin, master in surgery, from the academy of Amiens, made me see several pieces of natural history, such as snakes, butterflies &c. Which he executed on glass without the help of any drawing instrument, which render very well in black and white the various shades of nature, and preserve a more painted softness than engraving in intaglio could do. This new process can see a lot of usefulness, & deserves to be welcomed in Paris on the 7th of February. Signed Cochin ".