About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Tapeworm and Parasites by Bertuch, circa 1800
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving illustrating the anatomy and forms of parasitic worms, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar around 1800.
The plate is titled “Würmer VI / Vers VI” and provides a fascinating early zoological representation of internal parasites.
Fig. 1 depicts the “langgegliederte Bandwurm,” or long-jointed tapeworm. The extraordinarily long segmented body occupies the center of the composition, while several enlarged details above illustrate the structure of the parasite's head and attachment organs.
Fig. 2 depicts what Bertuch called the “Menschen-Vielkopf,” or Human Many-Headed Worm, accompanied by enlarged anatomical details. The terminology reflects the developing state of parasitology and zoological classification at the beginning of the 19th century.
The restrained original hand coloring and highly detailed engraving make this an intriguing example of early scientific illustration. Unlike Bertuch's more decorative birds, mammals and butterflies, this plate offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine, parasitology and microscopic zoology.
The engraving bears the signature “Jacob H. Schmuzer” at lower right.
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 late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes and mythology.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Engraver:
Jacob H. Schmuzer
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Würmer VI / Vers VI
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1800
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. Minor marginal wear. Original hand coloring remains attractive. 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:
antique tapeworm print, tapeworm engraving, parasite print, parasitology, medical illustration, anatomical print, scientific illustration, antique zoological print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Schmuzer, natural history print, hand colored engraving, worm illustration, history of medicine, circa 1800
