About this sheet
French Turbo Sea Shells Hand-Colored Natural History Engraving, 1832
Original antique hand-colored engraving depicting four species of Turbo sea shells, published in Paris by J.B. Baillière et Fils in 1832.
This beautifully executed natural history plate presents several marine turban snails from multiple perspectives, showing both their dark, strongly textured exteriors and the remarkable pearlescent interiors of their apertures. Delicate hand coloring in shades of pink, green, silver and cream emphasizes the naturally iridescent character of the shells.
The species identified on the plate include:
1. Turbo bouche-rose – Turbo merula
2. Turbo de Quoy – Turbo Quoyi
3. Turbo noir – Turbo niger
4. Turbo bouche-d'argent – Turbo Argyrostomus
The plate is numbered “Pl. 29” and bears the credits “Maubert pinx.” and “Pivet sculp.” Maubert was responsible for the original artwork, while Pivet engraved the plate. It was published in Paris by the important French scientific and medical publishing house J.B. Baillière et Fils.
A particularly decorative example of 19th-century French malacological illustration, combining scientific observation with the refined aesthetic characteristic of natural history publications of the period.
Maubert, artist
Pivet, engraver
J.B. Baillière et Fils, publisher
Paris
1832
Plate 29
Original hand-colored engraving
This is an original antique print published in 1832, not a modern reproduction.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered light foxing and minor marks, particularly within the margins. The original hand coloring remains attractive and the engraved details are clear and well preserved. Minor imperfections and handling wear are consistent with a work of this age. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
Period;
Early 19th Century
Style:
Natural History
Scientific Illustration
French School
Medium:
Hand-colored engraving on paper
Subject:
Sea Shells
Turbo Shells
Turban Snails
Marine Life
Malacology
Natural History
Keywords:
antique shell print, sea shell engraving, seashell engraving, shell print, Turbo shells, Turbo merula, Turbo Quoyi, Turbo niger, Turbo argyrostomus, turban snail, marine shells, marine life, malacology, conchology, natural history, natural history print, scientific illustration, zoological print, French engraving, French natural history, hand colored engraving, hand coloured engraving, Maubert, Pivet, J.B. Baillière, Jean-Baptiste Baillière, Paris, 1832, 19th century print, antique engraving, coastal decor, beach house decor, marine decor, cabinet of curiosities, scientific print
