The Art of Mackerel and Salmon Fishing - An Exquisite 1793 Panckoucke Engraving
€ 230
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1793
Sheet size
41.5 × 27.5 cm (16.3 × 10.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13675-20
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. General age related toning and occasional light staining from handling as visible on image. Left side of the sheet is uncut, so with rough edge. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This antique engraving is an illustration from the monumental work of the "Encyclopédie Méthodique" published by Charles-Joseph Panckoucke in 1793, specifically from the section 'Receuil de Planches de l’Encyclopedie. Planches des Peches,' which details various fishing techniques.
This particular plate, number 94, is titled "Peches de Mer" or "Ocean Fishing," and illustrates different types of fishing nets and techniques employed for catching mackerel and salmon, as mentioned in the subtitle ‘Manet, Peche du maquereau. Peche du saumon, Details de cett pechrie.’
The engraving is executed on verge type hand-laid paper, a high-quality paper commonly used at the time for important documents and artwork. It showcases the meticulous art of etching and engraving that was characteristic of the era. The image is divided into different figures, each depicting a different aspect of ocean fishing. The top figure might illustrate the method of mackerel fishing, while the lower figures could show the detailed structure of the nets and traps used in salmon fishing.
The Encyclopédie Méthodique is an expanded and re-arranged edition of the earlier Encyclopédie, edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, which was a substantial reference for arts and sciences and a vehicle for spreading the ideas of the French Enlightenment. This encyclopedia was an immense undertaking, with contributions from more than 140 individuals, and it played a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge during that era.
The figures are labeled and offer a glimpse into the techniques and tools used in fishing during the late 18th century, serving not only as an informative piece but also as an historical document illustrating the technological and industrial knowledge of the time. The artists and engravers involved in the creation of this plate, such as Robert Benard, played a critical role in illustrating the vast array of subjects covered by the encyclopedia.
