Original Antique Print of Four Exotic Snakes by Bertuch, 1802

€ 295

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1802
Mapmaker / artist: Jacob H. Schmuzer
Sheet size: 24.4 × 19.5 cm (9.6 × 7.7 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14335-4

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

Wear consistent with age and use. Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive.

About this sheet

Original Antique Print of Four Exotic Snakes by Bertuch, 1802

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four exotic species of snakes, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1802.

The plate is titled “Amphibien XVIII / Amphibies XVIII” and depicts four beautifully patterned snakes arranged in two intertwined groups. Bertuch identifies them as the Argus-Natter, Karmoisin-Natter (Crimson Snake), Porphyr-Natter (Porphyry Snake) and Geäugelte Natter (Ocellated or Eyed Snake).

Particularly striking is the elaborate coloration of the snakes, with combinations of black, red, ochre, cream and green. Their intertwined arrangement gives the plate an unusually strong decorative quality compared with many conventional zoological illustrations of the period.

The plate bears the engraved signature “Jacob H. Schmuzer” at lower left.

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 its period, covering natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes and numerous other subjects.

Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:
Amphibien XVIII / Amphibies XVIII

Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany

Date of Manufacture:
1802

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 and occasional minor spotting. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive.

Please note:
This is an original antique print from 1802, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.