About this sheet
Antique Prints of Greenland Bivalves and Modiolaria Shells – Gaimard, 1842
This pair of finely hand-colored lithographs presents scientific illustrations of mollusks collected and studied during Paul Gaimard’s Iceland and Greenland expedition of 1835, published in Voyage en Islande et au Groenland (Paris, 1842). These plates highlight both the aesthetic appeal and zoological significance of Arctic shell species, carefully rendered with precision and artistry.
The first plate, titled Bucarde de Groënland (Astarte groenlandica), shows a Greenland cockle in multiple views, including dorsal, lateral, and interior perspectives. The detailed anatomical studies, including depictions of the siphons and valves, emphasize its classification and scientific value.
The second plate features multiple species of Modiolaria (including M. modiolus, M. discors, M. laevis, and M. pisum), displayed in various positions and developmental stages. Each specimen is presented with lifelike coloration and minute structural detail, illustrating the variety within this important genus of marine bivalves.
Both plates were drawn by the skilled natural history artist Louis Bévalet and lithographed by J. Bernard, with hand coloring applied to highlight shell hues and textures. Their combination of delicate artistry and scientific rigor reflects the peak of 19th-century French natural history publishing.
Plates from Gaimard’s Voyage en Islande et au Groenland are prized by collectors of Arctic exploration, marine zoology, and conchology. They document species integral to the North Atlantic ecosystem while embodying the refinement of Parisian lithography in the 1840s.
Condition report: Both sheets retain wide margins with visible plate marks. Light toning and foxing present, especially in the margins, but the illustrations remain clear and well colored. Paper strong and stable.
Framing tips: These two plates make an excellent pair for display. They can be framed individually in matching black or walnut frames with pale ivory mats, or together as a diptych in a double-window mount. A gilt inner line would enhance their scientific elegance and highlight the subtle hand coloring.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
