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Original Antique Print of Archaeological Excavations by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original antique copper engraving depicting archaeological excavations and newly uncovered ancient architecture, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century.
The plate is titled “Verm. Gegenst. XXXVI / Mélanges XXXVI” and contains two detailed views showing excavated ancient buildings and streets.
Fig. 1 depicts a partly uncovered passage or street with substantial masonry structures and arched entrances emerging from the surrounding earth. Several figures inspect the site, emphasizing the archaeological nature of the scene.
Fig. 2 presents a wider view of an excavated complex with a long colonnade and buildings still partly buried beneath the surrounding landscape. Small figures among the ruins provide a sense of scale.
The engraving reflects the enormous European fascination with archaeological discoveries during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Excavations of ancient sites, particularly in Italy, transformed contemporary understanding of Greek and Roman architecture and strongly influenced the development of Neoclassical art and design.
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 period. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, architecture, antiquity and numerous other subjects.
An atmospheric early archaeological print with particular appeal for collectors of classical architecture, archaeology, ancient history and Grand Tour imagery.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Vermischte Gegenstände XXXVI / Mélanges XXXVI
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1800
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting and marks. Minor marginal wear. Engraved impressions remain strong and detailed. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique print from circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords:
archaeological excavation, ancient ruins, archaeology print, Roman ruins, classical architecture, ancient architecture, excavation engraving, Grand Tour print, Neoclassical print, classical antiquity, archaeological discovery, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, antique architecture print, circa 1800
