Original Antique Print of Five Monkeys and Tamarins by Bertuch, 1802

Original Antique Print of Five Monkeys and Tamarins by Bertuch, 1802

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting five species of monkeys and tamarins, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1802.

The plate is titled “Vierf. Thiere LXVI / Quadrupèdes LXVI” and presents five individually numbered primates. Bertuch identifies the animals in the accompanying text as the Atys, Yarqus, Ascagne, Brown Tamarin and Black Tamarin.

The five animals are depicted in characteristic poses, including two small tamarins perched on branches and three larger monkeys seated below. The delicate engraving and attractive original hand coloring are typical of the natural-history illustrations produced for Bertuch’s ambitious educational encyclopedia.

The plate bears the engraved signature “J. H. Schmuzer” at the bottom.

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. He is best known for his monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children), one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of finely engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes and mythology.

An attractive early zoological print and an appealing decorative work for collectors of natural history, monkeys and early scientific illustration.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Engraver:

J. H. Schmuzer

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Vierf. Thiere LXVI / Quadrupèdes LXVI

Place of Publication:

Weimar, Germany

Date of Manufacture:

1802

Period:

Early 19th Century

Style:

Neoclassical, In the Period of

Medium:

Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper

Condition:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning, minor spotting and handling marks. Small marginal imperfections consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.

Please note:

This is an original antique print from 1802, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.

Keywords:

antique monkey print, antique primate print, tamarin print, monkey engraving, antique animal print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, J. H. Schmuzer, natural history print, zoological engraving, hand colored engraving, tamarin illustration, primate illustration, scientific illustration, German natural history, 1802 engraving