Zoologischer Garten
(German Edition of "Le Jardin d'Acclimatation" by A. Capendu,
Published by J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag, Reutlingen)
This rare large quarto volume, published circa 1890s,
measures approximately 12.5 x 9.5 inches (32 x 24 cm)
This large quarto volume, bound in later red half-cloth,
showcases a chromolithographed cover depicting children riding an elephant and
a cart drawn by an ostrich. The album contains all four original peep shows,
illustrating scenes of children observing lions, monkeys, and an aquarium.
Each illustration in this volume is signed in print at the
lower margin with the notation "J. Kocher," though no publisher is
explicitly stated on the title page or elsewhere.
This is the German edition of "Le Jardin
d'Acclimatation" by A. Capendu. The German edition by J. Kocher’s
Kunstverlag is even more uncommon compared to the French original. German
versions tailored for local markets were often less widely distributed, making
them harder to find today.
This exceptionally rare and complete volume includes all
four original peep shows, with all parts fully intact and original—nothing
missing. The delicate construction of these early movable books makes surviving
copies in this condition extraordinarily scarce. Notably, the “glass” front of
the aquarium scene, which is highly prone to damage, remains present and
intact; while it has developed some cloudiness with age, it is free from tears.
An original ostrich head has been carefully reattached, with no other repairs
evident throughout.
Each peep show is operated using its original red silk
ribbons, which remain fully functional, smoothly lifting each scene as
intended. All original struts that elevate the scenes are present and in
excellent condition, with only a minor repair needed on one strut - the left
side of one scene in the foreground (as illustrated in the accompanying
photograph).
The volume retains its original binding, which, though
showing signs of fraying and delicacy in certain areas, is still sound. The
fact that it remains in its original bound state is significant, confirming the
completeness of all four scenes; there are no indications that additional
scenes were ever included. Such intact bindings are exceedingly rare for a work
of this size and complexity, where parts were often damaged over time.
Overall, this is an exceptional and exceedingly
well-preserved example of an unrecorded and scarce publication. It stands out
as a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of early movable books, given
its completeness, originality, and condition.
Each Scene:
1: Der große
Vogelkäfig (The Great Birdcage): The scene titled Der große Vogelkäfig shows a
bustling aviary filled with a diverse array of birds. In the foreground, an
ostrich is prominently displayed, surrounded by several other birds. To the
left, colorful parrots perch on branches, adding vivid splashes of color. In
the background, peacocks spread their feathers while other smaller birds move
around the enclosure. The scene includes lush greenery and ivy climbing along
the frame of the aviary. Two young girls stand on the right side, observing the
birds intently.
2. Die Löwen (The
Lions): This scene depicts a group of lions inside their enclosure. The central
focus is a large male lion roaring, while a lioness and cubs observe from
within the enclosure. The scene is framed by vertical bars, creating a clear
sense of confinement. Two children stand in the foreground, peering into the
enclosure; their expressions suggest a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The
bars of the cage are prominently shown, reinforcing the impression of the lions
being securely contained. The background is filled with a simple depiction of
the enclosure’s interior, including stone walls and sparse vegetation.
3. Die Affen (The
Monkeys): It shows several monkeys inside their enclosure. The monkeys are
shown engaging in various activities, including swinging on branches, climbing,
and interacting with one another. In the foreground, a portly zookeeper in a
formal coat gestures as if speaking to or feeding the monkeys. The monkeys
display a range of expressions, with some looking directly at the zookeeper and
others focused on their surroundings. The scene includes additional human
figures in the background, suggesting the presence of visitors observing the
monkeys.
4. Das Aquarium (The
Aquarium): The Aquarium scene is designed with multiple layers to create depth.
The front layer is a semi-transparent “glass” (cellophane) sheet that mimics an
aquarium window. Behind it, the scene features various marine life. In the
foreground, there is a brightly colored fish with detailed scales. To its
right, a diver in an old-fashioned diving suit holds a spear and explores the
waters, surrounded by seaweed and corals. Below the diver, an octopus spreads
its tentacles across the ocean floor. In the mid-ground, a long, sleek fish,
resembling a barracuda, swims horizontally, while another greenish fish with a
wide mouth appears above. In the background, more fish are visible, including
one with vibrant orange fins. The entire scene is set against an ocean backdrop
filled with aquatic plants and rocks, giving the illusion of an expansive
underwater environment.
Collector’s Corner:
Kocher's Kunstverlag acted as the publisher of the
German version of Le Jardin d'Acclimatation, titled Zoologischer
Garten. The printed attribution signifies that his company was involved in
the printing process, overseeing the publication of this intricately designed
pop-up book, which was likely produced for the German-speaking market using the
original French content adapted for local audiences. he French edition, titled Le
Jardin d'Acclimatation, reflects the popular Parisian zoological park of
the same name, suggesting a strong link to French culture.
About the Publisher: Johann
Kocher (1843–1900) was a notable bookseller and publisher in Reutlingen,
Germany. In June 1871, he established a bookshop bearing his name - J. Kocher's
Kunstverlag - which he managed until his passing on March 20, 1900, at the age
of 57. His dedication to his profession elevated his bookstore to a position of
high respect within the community. Beyond his role as a bookseller, Kocher was
also an artistic publisher. He published from his bookshop as early as 1884, most
famous for producing undivided-back postcards featuring drawings accompanied by
poetry, often illustrated by R. De Witt. Kocher was known for producing and
publishing illustrated books, postcards, and prints, often collaborating with
artists and illustrators of the time.
The March 24, 1900 edition of the Börsenblatt
states that:
"On March 20, after a short illness, Johannes Kocher
of Reutlingen passed away at the age of 57. He was the proprietor of the
bookshop bearing his name, which he had established in June 1871.
Through his dedicated work in the profession, he elevated his business to a
highly respected position."
Note that: German graphic artist Karl Langenbacher
held his first exhibition at Kocher’s bookstore in 1929, indicating that
the bookstore continued to serve as a cultural hub in Reutlingen after Johann
Kocher's death.
References:
Undivided Back Postcard Directory. (n.d.). Directory K.
Retrieved from undividedbackpostcard.com.
Börsenblatt des Deutschen Buchhandels. (1900, March 24). Obituary
Notice for Johannes Kocher. Retrieved from SLUB Dresden Digital
Collections.
Reutlinger Geschichtsblätter. (1929). Artistic and
Cultural Contributions of J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag. Reutlingen Historical
Society Archives.
Lichtenstein Plays Official Postcards (1901-1903). (n.d.). Historical
Overview of Postcard Publishing in Honau. Retrieved from Lichtenstein-Archiv.de.
Deutsches Literaturarchiv. (n.d.). The Role of J.
Kocher's Kunstverlag in Early 20th Century Publishing. Retrieved from DLA-Marbach.de.
Deutsches Literaturarchiv. (n.d.). The Influence of Regional
Publishers on Early 20th Century German Culture. Retrieved from dla-marbach.de