Menageries

Date: 1835

Reference: Eph-C-MAORI-1835-01

Description: Notice in Russian script announcing a public exhibition of the Menagerie of Karl Berg and Stefan Eller from Hamburg, at the house of Princess Golitsyna on Tverskaya Street, Moscow, on Sunday 17 November 1835. The translation of the text includes in part the following words: Advertisement for no. 92 Moskovskie vedemosti 1835 year. This day, 17th of November, at 12pm, there will be a major feeding of a snake with live chickens and rabbits, and of a hyena with live pigeons.[Mr] Berg, having entered the hyena's cage, will feed this wild and vicious animal out of his own hands. Karl Berg and Stefan Eller, from Hamburg, will have the privilege of showing, to lovers of art and nature, a Menagerie of live snakes, monkeys, birds and crocodiles, and also a large collection of natural creations, presented in the following sections: First section (Amphibians), Second section (Quadrupeds), Third section (Birds), Fourth section (["other"]) 14) Tattooed and rubbed with colours, the head of Tipokhe, or chieftain of cannibals from New Zealand. Due to his brave enterprises, Tipokhe is named the King of New Zealand 15) Various weapons of the wild people of New Zealand Minerva (an uncommonly tall Prussian woman) Menagerie is open from 9 in the morning to 7 in the evening; the feeding of the animals take place: first at 12, and second at 6 in the evening. The menagerie is located on Tverskoi in the house of Princess Golitsina, near Tverskaia Pharmacy. Prices: one seat 2 rubles in notes; children up to 10 years old pay half. Herewith it is announced, that Berg and Eller, both buy and sell, at cheap prices, all rarities. A preserved head, also purported to be that of Te Pahi, had previously been displayed in London ca 1820; see poster advertising this at A-059-008. Its eventual fate is unknown, and it is unclear if it was the same head that is advertised in this 1835 poster. Quantity: 1 b&w art print(s). Physical Description: Letterpress, on sheet 425 x 240 mm.