About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Orca, Whale and Dolphin by Bertuch, 1805
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three cetaceans, dominated by a striking early representation of an orca or killer whale, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1805.
The plate is titled “Fische XXXVII / Poissons XXXVII.” Following the zoological classification commonly used at the time, whales and dolphins were included by Bertuch within his section devoted to fishes.
Fig. 1 depicts the impressive black-and-white orca or killer whale, recognizable by its powerful body, tall dorsal fin and contrasting pale underside. The animal occupies the center of the composition and provides the strongest visual element of the plate.
Fig. 2 shows a smaller dolphin-like cetacean, while Fig. 3 depicts a larger whale or dolphin characterized by its rounded forehead and elongated body.
The animals provide a fascinating insight into European representations of whales and dolphins around 1800, when many marine species remained imperfectly understood and illustrations were frequently derived from earlier natural-history sources and travelers’ accounts.
The engraving is delicately enhanced with original hand coloring in restrained shades of black, gray and brown.
The plate bears the engraved inscription “Jacob Hauer Schmuzer” at lower right.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of engraved plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity, costumes and mythology.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Fische XXXVII / Poissons XXXVII
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
1805
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning, scattered minor spotting and occasional handling marks. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique print from 1805, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
