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Shells & Bivalves Print: Mussels, Oysters, Scallops, Clams, Antique 1867
€180 ($205, £155, €180)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1867
- Size
- 11.2 × 8.7 in (28.5 × 22 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition for its age, with slight overall toning and minor scattered foxing mainly in the margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs, and the hand colouring is vivid and well-preserved.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Fish and shells
- Reference
- f_45798102
Shells & Bivalves Print: Mussels, Oysters, Scallops, Clams, Antique 1867
This detailed antique print depicts a wide range of shells and bivalves, including mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles, and shipworms, rendered in fine hand-coloured engravings. It originates from the Atlas der Natuurlijke Geschiedenis voor scholen en huisgezinnen, adapted into Dutch by T.C. Winkler after Traugott Bromme, and published in Amsterdam by J.C. Loman in 1867. Created for educational use, this plate introduced 19th-century students to mollusc and marine invertebrate diversity.
The labelled figures include:
1. Oyster (Ostrea edulis)
2. Barnacle on shell (Cirripedia species)
3. Scallop (Pecten maximus)
3a. Scallop interior
4. Goose barnacle (Lepas anatifera)
4a. Goose barnacle open
4b. Goose barnacle closed
5. Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)
5a. Mussel interior
5b. Mussel open
6. Hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)
7. Ark clam (Arcidae species)
7a. Ark clam interior
7b. Ark clam section
8. Cockle (Cardiidae species)
9. Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus)
10. Coral encrusted shell (possibly Spondylus species)
11. Heart cockle (Corculum cardissa)
12. Periwinkle (Littorina littorea)
13. Venus clam (Veneridae species)
14. Tellina shell (Tellinidae species)
15. Lucine clam (Lucinidae species)
16. Razor clam (Solenidae species)
17. Small bivalve (Cyamiidae species)
17a. Same, dorsal view
18. Shipworm (Teredo navalis)
19. Tunicate or sea squirt (Ascidiacea species)
20. Sea cucumber (Holothuroidea species)
Produced using copper engraving with meticulous hand colouring, the print shows fine anatomical lines and naturalistic colours, capturing each species’ shell structure, ridges, and growth features. These educational plates allowed detailed comparison before the widespread use of photographic field guides in marine biology.
Condition summary:
Good condition for its age, with slight overall toning and minor scattered foxing mainly in the margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs, and the hand colouring is vivid and well-preserved.
Framing tips:
Frame this shells and bivalves print in a black, dark wood, or walnut frame with a cream or off-white mount to enhance its delicate engraved lines and muted marine tones. For traditional interiors, a gold frame adds antique warmth and elegance. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colours and prevent further toning. This antique natural history print will enrich any marine art collection, educational interior, or natural history gallery wall with timeless scientific beauty and decorative charm.
