About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Iceland Geyser, Hekla and Orkney Bird Catchers, 1802
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting remarkable scenes from Iceland and the northern islands, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1802.
The plate is titled “Verm. Gegenst. XLVI / Mélanges XLVI” and was devoted to what Bertuch described as “Nordische Merkwürdigkeiten,” or Northern Curiosities.
Fig. 1 depicts the extraordinary and dangerous practice of bird catching on the steep cliffs of the Orkney and other northern islands. Men are shown descending the sheer rock face on ropes to reach nesting seabirds, while others cross a dramatic chasm on a narrow suspended rope. Small sailing vessels appear in the turbulent sea below.
Fig. 2 depicts the famous Great Geyser of Iceland erupting dramatically into the air, surrounded by clouds of steam. In the distance are the volcanic mountains of Iceland, including Mount Hekla, shown emitting smoke. Bertuch specifically identifies this scene as “Der Geyser und Hekla auf Island” — the Geyser and Hekla in Iceland.
The dramatic combination of cliff climbing, turbulent seas, sailing vessels, an erupting geyser and volcanic landscape makes this an unusually lively plate from Bertuch’s encyclopedia.
The engraving bears the inscription “Jacob Hauer Schmuzer” at lower right.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of its period, containing hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity, costumes and other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Engraver:
Jacob Hauer Schmuzer
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Vermischte Gegenstände XLVI / Mélanges XLVI – Nordische Merkwürdigkeiten
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
1802
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Minor marginal wear. Original hand coloring remains attractive and the engraved impressions are well preserved. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique print from 1802, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords:
Iceland antique print, Iceland geyser, Great Geysir, Mount Hekla, Hekla volcano, Iceland volcano, volcanic eruption, antique volcano print, Orkney Islands, bird catchers, cliff climbing, seabird hunting, northern islands, natural phenomena, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, antique geography print, hand colored engraving, 1802 engraving
