Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra [Zoo], ca. 1935. Large broadsheet (81.5 x 54.5 cm). Chromolithograph mounted on linen.

A stunning, large poster announcing a reduced lower entrance fee to the Amsterdam public zoo (founded 1838), named after a Latin inscription above the entrance gate, Natura Artis Magistra [nature is the teacher of the arts], usually abbreviated to the middle word, "Artis". The illustration shows a rhinoceros hornbill - a bird from the forests of the Malay archipelago and Thailand - with, in the background, a stylized rendition of the zoo, with a flamingo and the Westerman monument, erected after the death of the zoo's first director and one of its three founders, Gerardus Frederik Westerman (1807-1890). The complete text is as follows: Artis Amsterdam. Woensd. Zaterd. en Zondagen 52 ct. Overige dagen Volw. 77 ct. kinderen t/m 13 jaar 52 ct. [Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 52 cent. Other days Adults 77 cent. Children up to 13 years 52 cent.]. These represent the entrance prices 90 years ago, which is 85x the price of today... The print is numbered K390 in the lower right corner. Unfortunately, little if anything is known about the artist, Lindenberg, apart from him or her being an accomplished illustrator. Weak spotting on verso, very slight, marginal creasing; the lower margin a bit rough, otherwise fine. Rare, especially in this excellent condition.