Marine Life · 18th century
€ 280
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition and nicely hand-coloured on strong paper. Minor soiling due to age, but the light brownish hue adds to its patina. A very decorative set, ready to be framed.
This exquisite compilation showcases two engravings (not framed!) of various fish species from *Histoire Naturelle*, a significant 18th-century work on natural history. The engravings, originally crafted by Bernard Direxit around 1790, are beautifully detailed and illustrate different types of fish, each labeled with its name in multiple languages, making it a true multicultural study of marine life.
The depicted fish species include:
1. Le Plecoste (Fig. 260)
- English: Plecostomus
- Dutch: Harnasmeerval
- German: Saugwels
2. Le Guacari (Fig. 261)
- English: Guacari
- Dutch: Guacari
- German: Guacari
3. Le Saumon (Fig. 262)
- English: Salmon
- Dutch: Zalm
- German: Lachs
4. Le Bécard (Fig. 263)
- English: Hooknose Salmon
- Dutch: Hakenneus Zalm
- German: Hakennasenlachs
5. La Truite (Fig. 264)
- English: Trout
- Dutch: Forel
- German: Forelle
6. La Truidelle (Fig. 265)
- English: Small Trout
- Dutch: Kleine Forel
- German: Kleine Forelle
7. L'Umble-Chevalier (Fig. 274)
- English: Arctic Char
- Dutch: Beekridder
- German: Saibling
8. L'Ombre bleu (Fig. 275)
- English: Blue Grayling
- Dutch: Blauwe Vlagzalm
- German: Blaue Äsche
9. L'Eperlan (Fig. 276)
- English: Smelt
- Dutch: Spiering
- German: Stint
10. L'Eperlan de Mer (Fig. 277)
- English: Sea Smelt
- Dutch: Zee Spiering
- German: Meeresstint
11. Le Lavaret (Fig. 278)
- English: Lavaret
- Dutch: Lavaret
- German: Felchen
These engravings, originally produced by Bernard Direxit around 1790, serve as a detailed representation of the diversity of fish species known at the time. They provide a captivating insight into the scientific knowledge of marine life from the late 18th century. This framed compilation is ideal for collectors of historical illustrations, marine enthusiasts, or anyone interested in adding a touch of vintage elegance to their collection.
