Views of America
€ 260
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Minor wear and soiling. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
The image is an original antique print of two catfish species, labeled '1. Astroblepus Grixalvii Humb. 2. Pimelodus Cyclopum Humb.' The fish depicted are indeed catfish, as suggested by the common name associated with the genus Pimelodus, which are a diverse group of benthic fishes known for their barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers.
The term "Humb." refers to Alexander von Humboldt, a Prussian naturalist and explorer whose work on biogeography is foundational in the field. The fish species named after him, such as Astroblepus Grixalvii and Pimelodus Cyclopum, would have been discovered during his expeditions, most famously his exploration of the Americas, including the Amazon River.
The engraving itself is indicative of the period's scientific illustrations, which were created to document and share new species' discoveries with the scientific community and the educated public. These illustrations were meticulously crafted, often by skilled artists who specialized in scientific drawings. They would have been published in natural history books or as separate plates, meant for a readership of scientists, hobbyists, and collectors interested in natural history.
The publication by Whittaker in 1824 places this work in the context of the early 19th century, a period of intense scientific discovery and exploration. "Whittaker" refers to a publishing house active in London during this time, known for publishing a wide range of works, including those on natural history.
As for the method, "hand coloring" indicates that the prints were individually colored by hand after the engraving process. This was a common practice before color printing technology became widespread, making each print slightly unique.
