Antique Marine Prints – Lobster, Crabs, Shells, and Mollusks, circa 1850
€ 320
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1850
Sheet size
26 × 20.5 cm (10.2 × 8.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13836-1, -8, -12, -13
Condition
impressions with strong hand coloring. Light toning to margins and occasional small age-related spots, not affecting the main images. Plate marks visible. Paper strong and well-preserved, suitable for framing.
About this sheet
Antique Marine Prints – Lobster, Crabs, Shells, and Mollusks, c.1840s–1850s
A striking set of four original hand-colored lithographs depicting marine life in vivid natural detail. The plates feature: a spiny lobster and crayfish on a rocky shore; a hermit crab in its shell with a crayfish nearby; an arrangement of sea shells and mussels including a conch, horn shell, and clustered blue mussels; and a composition of crabs and crustaceans including a large crab, shrimp, and smaller crayfish.
These natural history studies date to the 1830s–1840s and reflect the era’s fascination with zoological exploration. Such prints were designed both as scientific references and as decorative artworks, showing the diversity of marine species with hand-applied colors that remain striking today. The mix of lobsters, crabs, mollusks, and shells makes this set particularly appealing for collectors of marine art and for those with a decorative interest in coastal or nautical themes.
The lithographs balance careful scientific observation with artistic flourish, making them timeless pieces for both academic and interior appreciation. When displayed together, they form a cohesive set illustrating the richness of marine life as seen through 19th-century eyes.
Condition: Good impressions with strong hand coloring. Light toning to margins and occasional small age-related spots, not affecting the main images. Plate marks visible. Paper strong and well-preserved, suitable for framing.
Framing tips: This set would look superb framed as a group, either in a row or a block arrangement. Consider dark or driftwood-style frames with pale blue or cream mounts to emphasize the marine character. Their vivid hand coloring makes them particularly striking in natural light.
