Original Antique Print of Three European Snakes by Bertuch, 1802

Original Antique Print of Three European Snakes by Bertuch, 1802

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three species of non-venomous European snakes, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1802.

The plate is titled “Amphibien XV / Amphibies XV” and was devoted by Bertuch to harmless snakes (“Unschädliche Schlangen”). The three elegantly arranged specimens are identified in the accompanying text as:

Fig. 1, The French Snake (Die französische Natter)

Fig. 2, The Aesculapian Snake (Die Aesculap-Schlange)

Fig. 3, The Four-lined Snake (Die vierstreifige Natter; Coluber quadristriatus)

Bertuch notes that the Aesculapian snake was already known in antiquity and became associated with Aesculapius, the classical god of medicine. The snake-entwined staff of Asclepius remains an internationally recognized symbol of medicine today. Bertuch describes these snakes as harmless species that could even become accustomed to being kept by people.

The plate is beautifully engraved and delicately enhanced with original hand coloring in restrained shades of blue-green, brown, ochre and cream. The engraving bears the inscription “Jacob Hauer 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. Its hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates introduced readers to natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes, mythology and numerous other subjects.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Engraver:

Jacob Hauer Schmuzer

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Amphibien XV / Amphibies XV

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 occasional minor spotting and marks. 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 snake print, Aesculapian snake, Aesculapius snake, four-lined snake, European snakes, serpent engraving, antique reptile print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Schmuzer, natural history print, zoological engraving, hand colored engraving, herpetology print, scientific illustration, 1802 engraving