About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Volcanic Eruptions and Ships by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting two dramatic volcanic phenomena, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century.
The plate is titled “Verm. Gegenst. XI / Mélanges XI” and contains two finely engraved views illustrating volcanic and geothermal activity.
Fig. 1 depicts a volcanic landscape beside a lake, with flames, smoke and steam rising dramatically from fissures and rocks along the shore. Two elegantly dressed figures observe the phenomenon from a safe distance, while buildings and wooded hills appear beyond the water.
Fig. 2 shows the spectacular eruption of a volcanic island rising directly from the sea. Flames and dense clouds of smoke emerge from the summit and several openings on the mountainside. A large three-masted sailing vessel and a smaller boat observe the eruption from the surrounding waters, giving both scale and drama to the scene.
The combination of volcanic activity, landscape and maritime imagery makes this an especially evocative example of early scientific and geographical illustration. The flames and figures are enhanced with original hand coloring, contrasting beautifully with the finely engraved landscape and clouds of volcanic smoke.
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 the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity and other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Vermischte Gegenstände XI / Mélanges XI
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1800
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 and handling marks. 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 circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
