About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Seals, Sea Lion and Manatee by Bertuch, 1790
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four unusual marine mammals, including seals, a sea lion and a manatee or sea-cow type animal, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1790.
The plate is titled “Amphibien XVII / Amphibies XVII.” At the end of the 18th century, the term “amphibian” was used considerably more broadly than it is today and could encompass animals such as seals and other mammals that divided their lives between land and water.
Four individually numbered marine mammals are represented. The animals are shown both on rocky shores and swimming, emphasizing their adaptations to an aquatic environment. Particularly striking is the large animal in Fig. 1, while the smaller seal-like animals above demonstrate different body and flipper forms.
The engraving is delicately enhanced with original hand coloring in restrained shades of black, gray, green and brown.
The plate bears the engraved inscription “Jacob Hauer Schmuzer” at lower right.
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 most ambitious illustrated educational encyclopedias of its period. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work eventually contained more than a thousand engraved plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity, costumes and numerous other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Amphibien XVII / Amphibies XVII
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
1790
Period:
Late 18th 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 scattered minor spotting and marks. Minor marginal wear. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique print from 1790, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
