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Antique Handcolored Engraving of Lizards and Amphibians, c.1800
€120 ($135, £100, €120)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1800
- Size
- 9.3 × 7.7 in (23.5 × 19.5 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition. Age-related toning, minor edge wear, especially the right border, no text on verso. Colors remain vibrant and well preserved. Please review images carefully.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- Bertuch
- Section
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Reference
- f_42559642
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Lizards and Amphibians, Amphibien XXXIX, c.1800
This original handcolored copperplate engraving features a variety of lizards and amphibians, showcasing their unique physical characteristics and ecological adaptations. The plate originates from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), a celebrated 12-volume natural history encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830, valued for its scientific precision and artistic detail.
The engraving includes:
1. A salamander (*Salamandra salamandra*), depicted with its smooth skin and short limbs (Fig. 1).
2. A newt (*Triturus spp.*), illustrated with its slender body and distinct tail (Fig. 2).
3. An iguana (*Iguana iguana*), highlighted by its dorsal crest and elongated tail (Fig. 3).
4. A chameleon (*Chamaeleonidae*), shown with its coiled tail and distinct facial features, emphasizing its adaptability (Fig. 4).
5. A crocodile skink (*Tribolonotus spp.*), noted for its armored appearance (Fig. 5).
This detailed engraving provides an educational glimpse into early zoological depictions of reptiles and amphibians. It is a valuable addition to collections of natural history art, antique prints, or zoological illustrations.
Condition Report:
Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, no text on verso. Vibrant hand coloring is well preserved. Please review images carefully.
