Exotic Goldfish of China: An 18th-Century Hand-Colored Copper Engraving, c.1773

About this sheet

This is an 18th-century hand-colored copper engraving created by Johann Michael Seligmann, based on an original illustration by the renowned English naturalist and illustrator George Edwards. This plate is part of Seligmann's Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), a series published in Nuremberg between 1770 and 1773. Although the collection primarily focuses on ornithological subjects, this particular print showcases varieties of goldfish imported from China, reflecting the fascination with exotic species that flourished in Europe during the period.

The publication is titled Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel, which translates to Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds. It was primarily focused on ornithology, showcasing illustrations of birds rather than fish. However, some plates, like this one, include depictions of other exotic animals such as goldfish, reflecting the broader interest in foreign natural curiosities during the period. While birds are the main subject, the inclusion of other species adds to the collection's appeal as a comprehensive natural history work.

The print, titled "Die Goldfische von China" (The Goldfish of China), presents four distinctive types of goldfish, each carefully colored to highlight their unique features:

1. Blue Oranda - Recognizable by its blue or grayish hue, rare among goldfish and prized for its unusual coloration.
2. Red or Orange Fantail - A classic goldfish with bright red or orange scales, representing the iconic goldfish image.
3. Calico Fantail - A goldfish with a striking mix of silver, gold, and reddish tones, often seen with a spotted or marbled appearance.
4. Black or Grey Goldfish (possibly a Shubunkin variant) - This variety features a darker, silvery-gray body, providing contrast to the brighter colors above.

Seligmann used the copperplate engraving technique, which allowed for fine details to be etched into a metal plate, creating a matrix that could be inked and pressed onto paper multiple times. The prints were then hand-colored, or "altkoloriert," enhancing their aesthetic appeal and rendering each illustration uniquely vibrant. This labor-intensive process was highly valued in the 18th century, particularly for natural history illustrations, as it combined scientific accuracy with artistic beauty.

Johann Michael Seligmann, a German engraver and publisher, was known for his skill in producing detailed engravings of zoological subjects. He collaborated with well-known naturalists of his time, translating and adapting foreign works like those of George Edwards for a German-speaking audience. This engraving serves as a testament to the era’s dedication to documenting and sharing the natural world through the art of printmaking.