Items Similar to Frog Print of Cape Dactylethra and Surinam Toad, c.1850, by Orbigny
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Frog Print of Cape Dactylethra and Surinam Toad, c.1850, by Orbigny
About the Item
Frog Print of Cape Dactylethra and Surinam Toad, c.1850, by Orbigny
This rare and scientifically detailed 19th-century hand-colored engraving, Reptiles Pl. 17, depicts two remarkable amphibian species: the Cape Dactylethra (*Dactylethra capensis*) and the Surinam Toad (*Pipa americana*). This print was created for the *Dictionnaire Universel d’Histoire Naturelle*, a comprehensive French natural history encyclopedia edited by Charles Dessalines d'Orbigny and published in Paris circa 1850. It was drawn by Oudart and engraved by Forget, both noted for their zoological artistry.
Figure 1 at the top represents *Dactylethra capensis*, an aquatic frog species native to southern Africa, now more commonly referred to as *Ptychadena capensis* or *Xenopus laevis*, depending on taxonomy. It is portrayed beside a freshwater habitat, with dark, nearly black skin, and long, powerful limbs adapted for strong swimming. Its muscular build and webbed toes are shown in detail, capturing both anatomical accuracy and natural behavior.
Figure 2, below, is the Surinam Toad (*Pipa americana*, now *Pipa pipa*), one of the most unusual amphibians in the world. Known for its flat, broad body and extraordinary reproductive behavior, where the female carries fertilized eggs embedded in the skin of her back, this species is illustrated in a crouching position near a swampy area. The textured, sponge-like appearance of the skin is meticulously engraved and hand-colored in shades of ochre, green, and brown, highlighting its unique form.
These frogs are notable not only for their scientific importance but also for their visual interest. The composition and lifelike settings reflect the 19th-century fascination with global biodiversity and the effort to document even the most exotic species.
Ideal for collectors of herpetological art, natural history illustrations, or antique educational prints.
Condition Summary:
Light foxing near upper right and left margins, but central image remains clean and strong. Vivid hand coloring and fine line detail intact. No tears or repairs.
Framing Tips
Frame in black or dark wood with a warm ivory or light green mat to complement the earthy frog tones. UV-protective glass recommended to preserve color and paper. A conversation piece perfect for a study, library, or naturalist setting.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.73 in (24.7 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)Depth: 0.4 in (1 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1850
- Condition:Light foxing near upper right and left margins, but central image remains clean and strong. Vivid hand coloring and fine line detail intact. No tears or repairs.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13584-681stDibs: LU3054345338482
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,463 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllFrog Print of Oval Engystoma and Green Toad, c.1850, by Orbigny
Located in Langweer, NL
Frog Print of Oval Engystoma and Green Toad, c.1850, by Orbigny
This vivid 19th-century hand-colored engraving, Reptiles Pl. 16, features two unique amphibians: the Oval Engystoma (...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Frog Print of Mexican Treefrog and Map Frog, c.1850, by Orbigny
Located in Langweer, NL
Frog Print of Mexican Treefrog and Map Frog, c.1850, by Orbigny
This charming 19th-century hand-colored engraving, Reptiles Pl. 15, features two distinct frog species: the Mexican T...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Fossil Print of Ichthyosaurus Skeleton and Teeth, c.1850, by Orbigny
Located in Langweer, NL
Fossil Print of Ichthyosaurus Skeleton and Teeth, c.1850, by Orbigny
This fascinating fossil plate, titled Reptiles Fossiles Pl. 3, features the skeletal remains and anatomical deta...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Snake Print of Rattlesnake and Horned Viper, c.1850, by Orbigny
Located in Langweer, NL
Snake Print of Rattlesnake and Horned Viper, c.1850, by Orbigny
This highly detailed 19th-century hand-colored engraving, Reptiles Pl. 13, features two of the world’s most iconic ve...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of 3 Antique Prints of Frogs and Toads
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 3 original antique prints of frogs and toads. These prints originate from 'Dictionnaire universel d'Histoire Naturelle' by d'Orbigny. Published 1861.
Charles Henry Dessalines d'Orbigny was a French botanist and geologist specializing in the Tertiary of France. At the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, d'Orbigny identified many of the flowering plant species returned to France from his brother's natural history collecting...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$409 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Snake Print of Coral Snake and Egyptian Cobra, c.1850, by Orbigny
Located in Langweer, NL
Snake Print of Coral Snake and Egyptian Cobra, c.1850, by Orbigny
This dramatic and well-preserved hand-colored engraving, Reptiles Pl. 12, depicts two iconic venomous snakes: the C...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Original Antique Print of Butterflies, C.1850, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of butterflies.
Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames.
Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original color.
Publishe...
Category
Antique 1850s English Folk Art Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print of Tobit And The Angel After Domenichino. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image after Domenichino
Fine steel engraving
Published circa 1850
Unframed.
Free shipping
Category
Antique 1850s English Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print of Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great print of Boston
Steel engraving after the original drawing by W.H Bartlett
Published circa 1850
Unframed.
Category
Antique 1850s English Other Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print of Parrots, circa 1850, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of parrots.
Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames.
Lithograph after cpt. Brown with original hand color.
Publish...
Category
Antique 1840s English Folk Art Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of St Margaret, After Raphael, C.1850
By (after) Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino)
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image after Raphael
Fine Steel engraving.
Published C.1850
Unframed.
Category
Antique 1850s English Baroque Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of St Catherine. After Rubens. C.1850
By Peter Paul Rubens
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image after Rubens
Fine Steel engraving.
Published C.1850
Unframed.
Category
Antique 1850s English Baroque Prints
Materials
Paper
