Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd August 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Guinea pig portrait causes a squeal
Three Unknown Elizabethan Children, Unkown Anglo-Netherlandish artist, c.1580 privately owned

Earliest known painting of species revealed for the first time

A painting has been unveiled in London's National Portrait Gallery, of what is believed to be the earliest portrait of a guinea pig.

The painting depicts three Elizabethan children, two boys aged five and six, with a girl aged seven who is cradling a beige, brown and white guinea pig.
 
The portrait was revealed during the making of the exhibition "Elizabeth I and her people", which is supported by the Weiss Gallery and due to open on October 10, 2013.

Guinea pigs were introduced from South America by Spanish traders and are said to have been popular pets during Queen Elizabeth I's time.

Due to the expensive and fashionable dress of the children in the portrait, it is suspected that they belonged to a wealthy family of nobility or gentry. Portraits of children became popular among the sixteenth century across Europe, as they allowed families to document lineage and fertility.

In the portrait, the youngest boy also clutches a small bird, which is thought to be a finch.

Guinea pigs are not the only animal to feature in the exhibition, as horses, stags and dogs also make appearances, as well as more exotic animals displayed on the subject's jewellery, purses and crests.
 
The exhibition will be open until the new year. Click here for more information.

Image courtesey of the National Portrait Gallery

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.