Natural History Engravings Compilation: Illustrations of Fish Species, 1790

€ 280

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1790
Sheet size: 29 × 21 cm (11.4 × 8.3 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13535-102, BG-13535-103

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Good condition and nicely hand-colored 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.

About this sheet

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.