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Antique Chromolithograph of Marine Life with Coral, Fish and Sea Creatures, 1890

$203.23
£148.12
€170
CA$278.65
A$311.14
CHF 162.30
MX$3,825.90
NOK 2,048.40
SEK 1,928.50
DKK 1,293.56
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About the Item

Antique Chromolithograph of Marine Life with Coral, Fish, and Sea Creatures, ca. 1890 This engaging and finely detailed chromolithograph, titled “Das Leben im Meere” (Life in the Sea), dates to around 1890 and illustrates a vibrant array of marine animals in their underwater habitat. Rendered in striking full color, this educational plate combines artistic beauty with scientific accuracy, representative of late 19th-century natural history imagery used in schools, encyclopedias, and popular science publications. The composition features an impressive diversity of sea creatures and plant life, carefully labeled with corresponding letters. In the foreground, prominent figures include a large green lobster (g. Hummer), a sea turtle (a. Meer­schild­kröte), and a large crab (e. Großer Taschenkrebs), all shown in highly naturalistic detail. Surrounding them are other fascinating marine organisms such as a squid (h. Tintenfisch), starfish (k. Seesterne), shrimp (f. Garneele), sea urchins (i. Seeigel), sea anemones (m. Seeanemonen), jellyfish (l. Schirmquallen), and colorful coral (n. Edelkoralle). Also depicted are a seahorse (d. Seepferdchen), a flatfish or sole (b. Goldbutte), and a herring (c. Hering), among others. Beyond the foreground, the underwater world fades into an atmospheric gradient, with swaying sea plants, drifting jellyfish, and distant ships visible at the water’s surface. The overall composition is both decorative and informative, capturing the sense of wonder and discovery associated with marine biology during the 19th century—a period of growing interest in the natural sciences. Such prints were prized not only for their educational value but also as art objects. Today, this image appeals to collectors of antique scientific illustrations, natural history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking decorative art with a coastal, nautical, or educational theme. Condition Report: Good condition. Colors are vivid and clean with minimal signs of age. Margins are intact and show little to no foxing. Paper is stable with no tears or folds. All species names and letters are clearly legible. Framing Tips: To enhance the rich aquatic tones, consider framing in a dark blue or weathered wood frame for a nautical touch. A light ivory or ocean-gray mat will help balance the detailed composition. Museum glass is ideal to reduce glare and protect the vibrant pigments. This print would look excellent in a study, library, bathroom, children’s room, or coastal-themed interior, either as a standalone feature or part of a marine-themed gallery wall.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.29 in (31.2 cm)Width: 15.83 in (40.2 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Good condition. Colors are vivid and clean with minimal signs of age. Margins are intact and show little to no foxing. Paper is stable with no tears or folds. All species names and letters are clearly legible.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-12956-101stDibs: LU3054345629232

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