Marine Life · 19th century
€ 110
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Light toning with minor foxing along the edges; a few brown spots but the hand-coloring remains vivid and beautifully executed over 200 years ago. Please study the images carefully.
This beautifully hand-colored engraving is from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s *Porte-Feuille des Enfants* (Children's Portfolio), published in 1805. It showcases a variety of mollusks and gastropods, highlighting their unique shells and body structures with incredible precision and artistry.
The engraving features:
- Fig. 1: A detailed depiction of a slug, emphasizing its soft, elongated body and distinct head structure.
- Fig. 2: A land snail with a spiral shell, shown both with and without the body, illustrating its anatomy.
- Fig. 3: A freshwater clam or bivalve shell, meticulously rendered to capture its ribbed texture.
- Fig. 4: A garden slug with a streamlined body, showcasing its adaptability and terrestrial lifestyle.
- Fig. 5, 6, 7: Various marine snails, each adorned with distinctive spiral and patterned shells, showcasing the diversity of gastropods.
This engraving reflects the Enlightenment fascination with the natural world, blending scientific observation with artistic beauty. It is an ideal piece for collectors of antique natural history prints, mollusk enthusiasts, or those interested in early zoological illustrations.
Condition: Minor foxing along edges with light toning; the hand-coloring is vivid and retains its exquisite detail.
