Original Antique Print of Sea Turtle and Freshwater Turtle by Bertuch, c. 1790

Original Antique Print of Sea Turtle and Freshwater Turtle by Bertuch, c. 1790

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting two turtles, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around the end of the 18th century.

The plate is titled “Amphibien III / Amphibia III / Amphibiae III” and bears the reference “I.B.25” at lower right. It belongs to Bertuch’s early natural-history series devoted to animals historically classified as amphibians, a category that at the time also encompassed reptiles such as turtles.

Fig. 1 is dominated by a large marine turtle shown from below, providing an unusually detailed view of the plastron, head and powerful paddle-like limbs. The animal is depicted at impressive scale and occupies most of the sheet. The dark brown and black body is enlivened by warm yellow and ochre details around the shell and underside.

Fig. 2 shows a much smaller freshwater or terrestrial turtle viewed from above, allowing the patterned carapace and contrasting body structure to be compared directly with the much larger marine specimen.

The juxtaposition of the two animals reflects Bertuch’s educational approach, presenting related species in comparative form and emphasizing differences in their anatomy and adaptation to different environments.

The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring in shades of brown, black, ochre and yellow. The exceptionally large sea turtle gives the composition considerable visual impact and makes this a particularly attractive example of early reptile and marine-life illustration.

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. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of finely engraved and hand-colored plates devoted to zoology, botany, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Amphibien III / Amphibia III / Amphibiae III

Reference:

I.B.25

Subject:

Sea Turtle and Freshwater Turtle

Place of Publication:

Weimar, Germany

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1790

Period:

Late 18th Century

Style:

Neoclassical, In the Period of

Medium:

Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper

Condition:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning with scattered foxing, spotting and minor marks. Some marginal wear and small edge irregularities, including minor loss at the upper right edge. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.

Please note:

This is an original antique engraving from the late 18th century, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed and interior images, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.

Other companion zoological, marine-life and natural-history plates from Bertuch’s “Bilderbuch für Kinder” are available separately.

Keywords:

antique turtle print, sea turtle print, marine turtle, freshwater turtle, turtle engraving, antique reptile print, marine life print, natural history print, zoological engraving, ocean decor, coastal wall art, beach house decor, cabinet of curiosities, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, hand colored engraving, 18th century natural history