Birds · 19th century
€ 780
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good to excellent condition with minor age toning to margins. The colors are fresh, and the sheet retains a strong plate mark. No tears or restoration noted.
Antique Print of Parrot Hind and Green Diacope – French Voyage, 1846
This hand-colored lithograph features two tropical fish species, scientifically illustrated for the French expedition publication Voyage de la frégate La Vénus, published in Paris by Gide in 1846. The print shows both Le Serran Psittacin (Serranus psittacinus), commonly referred to as the Parrot Hind, and La Diacope Verte (Diacope viridis), known in English as the Green Diacope.
The upper fish, the Parrot Hind, is distinguished by its striking coloration—a reddish-brown dorsal surface marked with dark oval spots and a band of fine orange reticulated lines. It belongs to the grouper family, a group of reef-dwelling predators noted for their robust bodies and wide mouths.
The lower fish, the Green Diacope, displays smooth greenish hues with a paler underside, slightly iridescent scales, and distinct fin patterns. It is a species less commonly depicted in 19th-century prints, making this illustration particularly desirable for collectors of rare ichthyological works.
This plate, marked "Poissons Pl. 1", was drawn by Werner, engraved by Bernard and Bernardet, and printed by Bougeard. The fine detailing and subtle hand-coloring are typical of the meticulous scientific documentation practices during this era. The illustrations were not only valuable as reference material for researchers but were also admired for their aesthetic appeal.
The Voyage de la Vénus (1836–1839) was a French naval exploration that journeyed around the globe to collect and document the flora and fauna of the Pacific and beyond. The natural history volumes resulting from this voyage are among the most elegant and informative of their kind, and the fish plates are especially prized for their clarity, rarity, and quality of execution.
Condition:
Very good to excellent condition with minor age toning to margins. The colors are fresh, and the sheet retains a strong plate mark. No tears or restoration noted.
Framing tips:
This print would be best displayed in a natural wood, black, or dark green frame to echo the tones of the fish. A light ivory or pale seafoam green mat can complement the color palette while allowing the vibrant hand coloring to stand out. Suitable for natural history collections, coastal interiors, or marine-themed galleries.
