1825 Hand-Colored Aquatint Engraving by T. Sutherland "South Sea Whale Fishery"

Early 17th century, French hand colored equestrian engraving. After Antoine de Pluvinel (French, 1552-1620), "Henry IV, Mounted", figure 42 from "L'Instruction du Roy en l'Exercice de Monter a Cheval", c. 1625, matted and framed under UF-3 plexiglass (blocks approx. 97% of UV) , gallery label verso. Figures from this publication have sold at Christie's. Those were not hand colored. A highly detailed engraving with the French King Henry 1V the central figure. Mounted on horseback, Le Roy (the King) is watched by no less than 10 courtiers some of whom are mounted on horseback, all of which are named in the engraving. Antoine de Pluvinel (1552, Crest, Dauphine - 24 August 1620) was the first of the French riding masters, and has had great influence on modern dressage. He wrote L’Instruction du Roy en L'exercice de Monter à Cheval ("instruction of the King in the art of riding"), was tutor to King Louis XIII, and is credited with the invention of using two pillars, as well as using shoulder-in to increase suppleness. In 1594, Pluvinel founded the "Academie d'Equitation" near what is now Place des Pyramides. There, the French nobility was trained not only in horsemanship, but also in all the accomplishments (dancing, fashionable dressing, etc.) It can be said that Pluvinel's influence on the aristocracy lasted from the late 16th century to the 17th century. Richelieu, the future Prime Minister of King Louis XIII attended the Academie; so did William, Duke of Cavendish. Pluvinel's book was published posthumously by the Flemish engraver Crispijn van de Passe II and the royal valet de chambre...

18th century German, a hand-colored engraving of a dressage horse and rider from Description du Manège Moderne by Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron Rais d' Eisenberg (German, ca. 1700-ca. 1770). Engraved by Bernard Picart (French, 1673-1733). Titled "Le Brillant", this dressage engraving is plate XXXIII. There is a gallery label verso. The print is matted and framed under UF-3 plexiglass, which offers the maximum amount of UV protection (approx. 97%). This print was originally part of an illustrated book Baron d'Eisenberg made describing the art of the cavaliers and depicting the different breeds of horses- The full title of the book is L'Art de Monter a Cheval: ou Description du Manége Moderne, Dans sa Perfection, published in Leipzig: Arkstée et Merkus, 1747). A set of 7 framed engravings from the same book sold at Sotheby's for $9,500 (plus tax and buyers premium). Reference: The author, a German horseman and artist, spent some of his youth at the manège of Saxe-Weimar before entering into the service of the Emperor. He then spent six years in Naples as the Master of Horse of the Viceroy before returning to Vienna where he studied under M. de Regenthal, the imperial Master of Horse. He participated in the coronation of the Emperor Charles V at Frankfurt in 1711, then spent some time in England, but was back in Germany before 1753. He probably died in Tuscany where he was Director and Master of the Horse at the Academy in Pisa. Brunet II, 957; Mennessier de la Lance I, p. 438. The Baron wrote several important and lavishly illustrated books on horses: his Description du manège moderne dans sa perfection, London 1727, and Dictionnaire des termes du manège moderne, 1747, being the best well-known. He dedicated Description du Manège Moderne to King George II and to his son, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Subscribers to the book included royalty and nobility from all over Europe. The engraver was Bernard Picart, born in Paris in 1673. He gained honors at the Academy of Paris at the age of sixteen. He was a master designer and engraver and worked in Paris and Amsterdam until his death in 1733. Dimensions: 9"h x 12"w (sight), 16.5"h x 19.25"w (frame) Condition: Good, some rippling to sheet, not examined out of frame. Provenance: Lombard Antiquarian Maps & Prints, Cape Elizabeth...

Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology (London: 1841-1846). Likely a later restrike printing (20th c.,) hand-colored prints, embossed with plate marks, includes: "Eider Duck, M...

From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology (London: 1841-1846). Likely a restrike printing (20th c.,) hand-colored prints, embossed with plate marks, includes two after Pridea...

Henry Thomas Alken (1785-1854) artist, a fox hunting lithograph: "In Full Cry Yoi Forward". Engraved by F. C. Lewis. Published by Tregear & Co. 90 C...

Antique German architecture print on heavy paper showing an illustration of a portion of a ceiling painting in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, 16th centur...

Bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus 1, short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis 2 and porpoise, Phocoena phocoena 3. Source unknown, to be deter...

Original antique print of opossums. Originates from Bertuch's 'Bilderbuch für Kinder'. In 1790 Friedrich Justin Bertuch started his biggest book-project ever. Issued in 12 volumes it...

Antique print titled 'la petite Beccassine'. Hand colored engraving of a small snipe. This print originates from 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux' by Francois Nicolas Martinet, one of France’s foremost bird illustrators of the 18th century. Published in Paris from 1770 to 1786. It was a monumental effort to catalog 1035 known ornithological species of birds. A staff of 70 people, feverishly worked for an astounding 13 years to complete this amazing work by Francois Martinet and George LeClerc...

Original antique print of a lion and lion cubs. Source unknown, to be determined. Most likely published by or after Bertuch, circa 1795.

Antique print titled 'MARION DE LORME' Original antique print of Marion Delorme. Marion Delorme (3 October 1613 – 2 July 1650) was a French courtesan known for her relationships with the important men of her time. She was the daughter of Jean de Lou, sieur de l'Orme, president of the treasurers of France in Champagne, and of Marie Chastelain. She was born in a wealthy family at her father's château near Champaubert. Initiated into the philosophy of physical pleasures by the epicurean and atheist Jacques Vallée, Sieur Des Barreaux, she soon left him for Cinq Mars, at that time at the height of his popularity, and succeeded, it is said, in marrying him in secret. She began hosting a salon, and was introduced into the life of being a courtesan. From this time Marion Delorme's salon became one of the most brilliant centres of elegant Parisian society. After the execution of Cinq Mars she is said to have numbered among her lovers and benefactors Charles de Saint-Évremond (1610-1703) the wit and litterateur, George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham...

Antique costume print titled 'Dänische Dame - Dame de Qualité de Dannemarck 1626'. This print depicts a Lady from Denmark. Originates from a rare costume book titled 'Sammlung von Tr...