Vibrant 1805 Handcolored Engraving of Rare Fish Species from Bertuch's Work
€ 90
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1805
Sheet size
23 × 19 cm (9.1 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14000-3
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
Condition with some foxing, light creasing and age toning, typical of its era. Original hand-colored. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This striking handcolored copperplate engraving from 1802 showcases four fascinating fish species: the Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans), Tub Gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna), Greater Sand Eel (Hyperoplus lanceolatus), and European John Dory (Zeus faber). Each species is meticulously detailed, highlighting their unique shapes, fins, and vivid coloration.
This plate comes from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's renowned "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), an extraordinary 12-volume encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830 in Weimar, Germany. Designed to educate and inspire, Bertuch’s work blended scientific accuracy with artistic finesse, covering subjects such as natural history, science, and art through over 1,200 engraved plates.
Perfect for collectors of ichthyological art or early natural history engravings, this plate provides a fascinating insight into 19th-century marine biology and artistic heritage. Its vibrant hand-coloring and precise depiction of these fish species make it a rare and valuable addition to any collection.
