Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Natural History Engravings Compilation: Illustrations of Fish Species, 1790
£235 ($315, €280)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1790
- Size
- 11.4 × 8.3 in (29 × 21 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition and nicely hand-coloured on strong paper. Minor soiling due to age, but the light brownish hue adds to its patina. A very decorative set, ready to be framed.
- Period
- 18th century
- Section
- Fish and shells
- Reference
- f_42403192
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
This exquisite compilation showcases two engravings (not framed!) of various fish species from *Histoire Naturelle*, a significant 18th-century work on natural history. The engravings, originally crafted by Bernard Direxit around 1790, are beautifully detailed and illustrate different types of fish, each labeled with its name in multiple languages, making it a true multicultural study of marine life.
The depicted fish species include:
1. Le Plecoste (Fig. 260)
- English: Plecostomus
- Dutch: Harnasmeerval
- German: Saugwels
2. Le Guacari (Fig. 261)
- English: Guacari
- Dutch: Guacari
- German: Guacari
3. Le Saumon (Fig. 262)
- English: Salmon
- Dutch: Zalm
- German: Lachs
4. Le Bécard (Fig. 263)
- English: Hooknose Salmon
- Dutch: Hakenneus Zalm
- German: Hakennasenlachs
5. La Truite (Fig. 264)
- English: Trout
- Dutch: Forel
- German: Forelle
6. La Truidelle (Fig. 265)
- English: Small Trout
- Dutch: Kleine Forel
- German: Kleine Forelle
7. L'Umble-Chevalier (Fig. 274)
- English: Arctic Char
- Dutch: Beekridder
- German: Saibling
8. L'Ombre bleu (Fig. 275)
- English: Blue Grayling
- Dutch: Blauwe Vlagzalm
- German: Blaue Äsche
9. L'Eperlan (Fig. 276)
- English: Smelt
- Dutch: Spiering
- German: Stint
10. L'Eperlan de Mer (Fig. 277)
- English: Sea Smelt
- Dutch: Zee Spiering
- German: Meeresstint
11. Le Lavaret (Fig. 278)
- English: Lavaret
- Dutch: Lavaret
- German: Felchen
These engravings, originally produced by Bernard Direxit around 1790, serve as a detailed representation of the diversity of fish species known at the time. They provide a captivating insight into the scientific knowledge of marine life from the late 18th century. This framed compilation is ideal for collectors of historical illustrations, marine enthusiasts, or anyone interested in adding a touch of vintage elegance to their collection.
