Military & Political · 18th century
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Fair condition with vibrant hand-coloring. Minor age toning at margins, slight edge wear from prior binding. No major tears or stains. Small pinhole in the top.
Views of Funchal and Fort Loo, Madeira – Hand-Colored Print from Bertuch, c.1800
This original hand-colored engraving features two finely detailed views of Madeira Island, from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s renowned Bilderbuch für Kinder (Picture Book for Children), published circa 1790–1830 in Weimar, Germany. The upper image (marked "I.") presents a panoramic view of the city of Funchal nestled at the foot of lush, mountainous terrain, dotted with buildings and coastal activity. The lower image ("II.") depicts Fort Loo, a historic coastal fortress on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by sailing ships and small boats, with a large flag waving above.
Created as part of a children's educational encyclopedia, this illustration combines scientific accuracy with visual appeal. It is a rare, early visual representation of Madeira and its maritime activity, and an important example of Enlightenment-era educational art.
Keywords: Madeira print, Funchal engraving, Fort Loo Madeira, 18th-century Portuguese harbor, antique hand-colored print, Bertuch Bilderbuch, Weimar publication, maritime illustration, Madeira coastal view, historical children’s encyclopedia, Madeira fortification art.
Condition Summary: Fair condition with strong hand-coloring. Some mild toning and light foxing near edges. Slight waviness and minor edge wear consistent with age. Clean plate impressions and well-preserved paper structure.
Framing Tips:
Use an acid-free, off-white or pale sand-colored mat to complement the soft tones of the sea and sky. A walnut or dark olive wood frame will enrich the earthy tones of the landscape. UV-protective glazing is recommended to preserve the delicate pigments. Frame with a visible margin to include the titles “Ver. Gegenstände CCLXXI / Melanges CXXXII” for historical context. Float mounting is an elegant option if you'd like to showcase the full sheet and its deckled edges.
