Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800

Close-ups

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, close-up 1Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, close-up 2Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, close-up 3Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, close-up 4Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, close-up 5

Framed and on the wall

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, shown framedAntique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, shown framed on a wallAntique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800, shown framed in a room

Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800

£120 ($155, €140)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.

Date
1800
Size
7.7 × 9.3 in (19.5 × 23.5 cm)
Condition
Good. Good condition. Age-related toning, minor edge wear, and no text on verso. Colors remain vibrant. Please review images carefully.
Period
Early 19th century
Artist or book
Bertuch
Section
Reptiles and amphibians
Reference
f_42547472

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Seals and Amphibious Mammals, c.1800

This original handcolored copperplate engraving illustrates various seals and amphibious mammals in their natural environments. The print comes from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), a renowned 12-volume natural history encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830. Bertuch’s work blended scientific accuracy with artistic elegance, making it a cornerstone of 19th-century educational publishing.

The engraving showcases four distinct figures, each displaying the characteristics and behaviors of different seal species, including their streamlined bodies adapted for aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Vivid hand coloring and detailed rendering highlight the natural textures and unique markings of these marine creatures.

This piece is ideal for collectors of marine zoology prints, antique engravings, or educational art from the 19th century. It also makes a striking addition to any natural history collection or interior display.

Condition Report:

Good condition. Age-related toning, minor edge wear, and no text on verso. Colors remain vibrant. Please review images carefully.