Original Antique Print of Four Exotic Lizards by Bertuch, 1802

Original Antique Print of Four Exotic Lizards by Bertuch, 1802

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four unusual lizards, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1802.

The plate is titled “Amphibien XIII / Amphibies XIII” and presents four reptiles in profile, carefully engraved and individually numbered.

Bertuch’s accompanying text identifies Fig. 1 as “Der Stink,” a skink-type lizard. Figs. 2 and 3 represent the male and female of what Bertuch called “Die graue Eidechse,” or Grey Lizard. Fig. 4 depicts “Die Dorneidechse,” or Thorn/Spiny Lizard.

The animals are particularly attractive for their varied forms and markings. The two central specimens display striking spotted patterns, while the unusual lower animal is shown from below, revealing its distinctive body structure and scales.

The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring in restrained shades of pink, brown, green, yellow and gray and bears the signature “Jacob H. Schmuzer” at lower left.

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, containing hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates devoted to natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Engraver:

Jacob H. Schmuzer

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Amphibien XIII / Amphibies XIII

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 and scattered minor spotting. Some discoloration near the upper center and minor marginal wear. 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 lizard print, antique reptile print, skink print, spiny lizard, grey lizard, exotic lizards, reptile engraving, herpetology print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Schmuzer, natural history print, zoological engraving, hand colored engraving, scientific illustration, 1802 engraving