One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1867
Sheet size
28.5 × 22 cm (11.2 × 8.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12980-29
Condition
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.
This captivating antique print depicts a variety of echinoderms, including starfish, sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and crinoids, 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. Created for educational use, this plate introduced 19th-century students to marine invertebrate diversity and anatomy.
The labelled figures include:
1. Sea cucumber (Holothuroidea species) 2. Sea lily stem (Crinoidea species) 3. Heart urchin (Spatangus purpureus) 4. Green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) 5. Sea urchin (Echinus esculentus) 6. Sand dollar (Clypeaster subdepressus) 7. Common starfish (Asterias rubens) 8. Cushion star (Porania pulvillus) 9. Basket star (Gorgonocephalus eucnemis) 10. Brittle star (Ophiuroidea species) 11. Basket star arms (Euryalida species) 12. Feather star (Crinoidea species) 13. Sea mouse (Aphrodita aculeata) 14. Sea worm (Polychaeta species) 15. Spiral worm tube (Serpulidae species) 16. Sea cucumber tentacles (Holothuroidea species) 17. Sea urchin tests (Echinoidea species) 17a. Small sea urchin test 17b. Fossilised sea urchin
Produced using copper engraving with meticulous hand colouring, the print shows precise anatomical lines and naturalistic colours, highlighting each echinoderm’s distinctive form, symmetry, and skeletal features. Such prints were vital educational tools in schools and libraries before photographic marine guides existed.
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 echinoderm print in a black, dark wood, or walnut frame with a cream or off-white mount to enhance its intricate engraved details and subtle marine tones. For traditional interiors, a gold frame adds antique warmth and classical refinement. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colours and prevent further toning. This antique natural history print will enrich any marine biology, educational, or gallery collection with timeless scientific beauty and decorative charm.
