About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Electric Eel, Electric Ray and Exotic Fish by Bertuch, 1790
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting five remarkable and unusual fish species, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1790.
The plate is titled “Fische VII / Pisces VII / Poissons VII” and was published under the heading “Wunderbare Fische,” or “Remarkable Fish.” It presents five extraordinary species selected for their unusual appearance or remarkable natural characteristics.
Fig. 1 depicts the Electric Eel, historically identified as Gymnotus electricus and today classified as Electrophorus electricus. Bertuch called it the “Zitter-Aal oder Krampf-Fisch,” referring to its extraordinary ability to produce powerful electric discharges.
Fig. 2 represents the Electric Ray or Torpedo, historically Raja torpedo and now Torpedo torpedo. Its rounded body is decorated with prominent eye-like markings. Like the electric eel, this species can generate electrical discharges used in defense and in subduing prey.
Fig. 3 depicts the Sea Bat, historically Lophius vespertilio and now Ogcocephalus vespertilio, commonly known as the Brazilian Batfish or Seadevil. Bertuch described its bizarre horn-like snout and fin structures, which give the animal its highly unusual appearance.
Fig. 4 shows the Sea Bull, historically Ostracion cornutus and today known as Lactoria cornuta, the Longhorn Cowfish. Its body is protected by a rigid, box-like covering of bony plates and bears prominent horn-like projections.
Fig. 5 is the Sea Toad, historically Lophius histrio and now Histrio histrio, the Sargassumfish. This remarkable anglerfish uses a modified fin ray as a lure to attract small prey.
Together the five species provide a fascinating glimpse into late 18th-century European knowledge of some of the world's strangest fishes. Particularly interesting are the two electric species, which fascinated contemporary naturalists because their ability to generate electricity was still a relatively new subject of scientific investigation.
The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring in restrained shades of brown, red, ochre, green and black. The dramatic electric eel and beautifully patterned electric ray dominate the composition, while the three smaller and unusually shaped fishes give the plate strong cabinet-of-curiosities appeal.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, covering zoology, botany, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Fische VII / Pisces VII / Poissons VII
Historical Title:
Wunderbare Fische / Remarkable Fish
Subjects:
Electric Eel – Electrophorus electricus (historically Gymnotus electricus)
Electric Ray – Torpedo torpedo (historically Raja torpedo)
Brazilian Batfish – Ogcocephalus vespertilio (historically Lophius vespertilio)
Longhorn Cowfish – Lactoria cornuta (historically Ostracion cornutus)
Sargassumfish – Histrio histrio (historically Lophius histrio)
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
1790
Period:
Late 18th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning with scattered foxing, spotting and minor marks. Some discoloration is visible, particularly toward the upper portion of the sheet. Minor marginal wear and edge imperfections. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique engraving from 1790, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Other companion fish and natural-history plates from Bertuch’s “Bilderbuch für Kinder” are also available separately.
