Corals & Jellyfish Print: Medusa, Anemone, Corals, Ctenophores – Antique 1867

About this sheet

Corals & Jellyfish Print: Medusa, Sea Anemone, Corals, Ctenophores – Antique 1867

This detailed antique print depicts a range of marine invertebrates, including jellyfish, Portuguese man o’ war, corals, sea anemones, ctenophores (comb jellies), hydroids, and marine algae, rendered in fine hand-coloured engravings. It originates from the Atlas der Natuurlijke Geschiedenis voor scholen en huisgezinnen, adapted into Dutch by T.C. Winkler after Traugott Bromme, and published in Amsterdam by J.C. Loman in 1867. Designed for educational use, this plate introduced 19th-century students to marine biology, invertebrate diversity, and classification.

The labelled figures include:

1. Ctenophore (comb jelly)
2. Barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
3. Medusa jellyfish (Scyphozoa species)
4. Small hydromedusa
5. Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis)
6. Comb jelly (Ctenophora species)
7. Sea anemone (Actiniaria species)
8. Hydroid colony (Hydrozoa species)
9. Stony coral (Scleractinia species)
10. Brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis)
11. Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea)
12. Red coral (Corallium rubrum)
13. Marine polychaete worm
14. Marine algae
15. Microscopic marine diatom
16. Radiolarian
17. Diatoms
17a. Diatom valve view
17b. Diatom girdle view
18. Bryozoan colony
18a. Bryozoan detail
18b. Bryozoan feeding zooid
19. Foraminifera
19a. Foraminifera shell view
19b. Foraminifera cross section

Produced using copper engraving with meticulous hand colouring, the print shows precise anatomical lines and delicate tonal gradations, capturing the forms and textures of marine invertebrates for scientific study. Such plates were essential teaching aids before photographic field guides became available.

Condition summary:
Good condition for its age, with slight overall toning and minor scattered foxing mainly in the margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs, and the hand colouring is vivid and well-preserved.

Framing tips:
Frame this marine natural history print in a black, dark wood, or walnut frame with a cream or off-white mount to enhance its delicate engraved details and subtle marine colours. For traditional settings, a gold frame adds antique warmth and refinement. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colours and prevent further toning. This antique print will enrich any marine biology, coral art, or educational collection with timeless scientific beauty and decorative intrigue.