About this sheet
Antique Fossil Plates – Ammonites, Ichthyosaurus, Archaeopteryx, c.1880
This pair of antique chromolithograph plates presents a fascinating survey of fossil discoveries from the Mesozoic era, reproduced with scientific precision and artistic clarity. Published in the late 19th century, these prints were created at a time when paleontology was rapidly developing as a discipline, inspired by the groundbreaking finds of the early Victorian era in Europe. The plates are printed with German captions, reflecting their origin in a continental natural history compendium.
The first plate (Plate IX) shows an array of fossil invertebrates and fish, including striking ammonites (Ammonites spiralissimus, Ammonites biplex, and Ammonites Jasson), a belemnite, bivalves such as Trigonia costata and Gryphaea arcuata, a crinoid (Pentacrinus), and fossil insects including a dragonfly (Libellula) and Eryon arctiformis. The lower section includes a geological cross-section of Jurassic formations in England, emphasizing the relationship between fossils and stratigraphy.
The second plate (Plate X) focuses on fossil reptiles and early vertebrates, with reconstructions of Ichthyosaurus communis, Plesiosaurus macrocephalus, and Teleosaurus. It also illustrates the famous Pterodactylus crassirostris, the small dinosaur Compsognathus longipes, and the iconic Archaeopteryx lithographica, regarded as the crucial link between reptiles and birds. Fossil teeth of Ichthyosaurus and Iguanodon are shown alongside jaws of early mammals such as Amphitherium Prevosti and Phascolotherium Buckland. The plate concludes with a geologic profile illustrating strata and fossil distribution.
Together, these plates encapsulate the excitement of 19th-century fossil science, presenting specimens that were central to debates on evolution and the history of life on Earth. They would have served both as visual aids for scientific instruction and as decorative prints for libraries and collections of natural history.
Condition report:
Both plates are well-preserved with strong coloring and sharp impressions. Light age toning to the paper margins consistent with age. No significant tears or stains noted.
Framing tips:
A double mat with a soft ivory inner border and a stone-gray outer mat will highlight the warm tones of the lithography. A dark wood or black frame will provide contrast, while a walnut or oak frame will emphasize the natural theme. Displaying the two plates side by side enhances their scientific and decorative impact.
