Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Creatures, c.1800
€ 130
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1800
Sheet size
19.5 × 23.5 cm (7.7 × 9.3 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13997-12
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. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, and no text on verso. Colors remain vivid. Review images closely.
About this sheet
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Creatures, c.1800
This original handcolored copperplate engraving depicts a variety of seals and other amphibious creatures, showcasing their unique anatomy and behaviors. The plate originates from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s Bilderbuch für Kinder (Picture Book for Children), an iconic 12-volume educational work published between 1790 and 1830.
Illustrated with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, this engraving features seals in different poses and settings, emphasizing their adaptability to aquatic and terrestrial environments. Bertuch’s work was a hallmark of 19th-century scientific and artistic endeavors, designed to educate and inspire curiosity about natural history.
This rare piece would make an excellent addition to a collection of zoological art, antique engravings, or historical marine life illustrations.
Condition Report Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, and no text on verso. Colors remain vivid. Review images closely.
