Anatomy of the Common Fly: Hand-Colored Engraving from Bertuch, 1798

€ 140

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1798
Sheet size: 25.7 × 19.7 cm (10.1 × 7.8 in)
Reference: BG-13292-54

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Good condition with vibrant hand-coloring, sharp engraving lines, and intact edges. Minor age-toning and minimal foxing are present but typical for its age. A striking piece, perfect for collectors, educators, or as an artistic display.

About this sheet

This detailed hand-colored copperplate engraving illustrates the anatomy of the common fly (Musca domestica). Featured are the full fly (Fig. 1), head (Fig. 2), magnified view (Fig. 3), proboscis (Figs. 4 and 5), cornea (Fig. 6), and an enlarged view of the compound eye structure (Fig. 7).

Published in Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (1798), this plate showcases the blend of scientific accuracy and artistic elegance characteristic of Bertuch's renowned 12-volume encyclopedia.