Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Museum-Quality Illustration of Rare Pacific Fish, Hand-Colored 1846

$916.89
£681.40
€780
CA$1,259.12
A$1,417.36
CHF 749.84
MX$17,580.58
NOK 9,265.02
SEK 8,861.17
DKK 5,935.57
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Antique Print of Bluebanded Hawkfish and Ornamented Scorpionfish, 1846 This vibrant hand-colored lithograph features two striking reef fish species: Cirrhites rivulatus (the Bluebanded Hawkfish) and Scorpaena fucata (the Ornamented Scorpionfish). The print was produced for the zoological section of Voyage de la frégate La Vénus, a major French scientific expedition published in Paris by Gide in 1846. The upper fish, *Scorpaena fucata*, known for its cryptic appearance and reddish blotches, is a type of scorpionfish recognized for its venomous spines and ability to blend into rocky seafloors. The illustration emphasizes its broad head, large golden eyes, and robust pectoral fins. The lower fish, *Cirrhites rivulatus*, is immediately eye-catching with its vivid greenish-blue body intricately patterned in cobalt-blue lines and bars. Commonly referred to as the Bluebanded Hawkfish, this species is found in Eastern Pacific coral reefs and is admired for its ornate coloring and perching behavior atop coral outcrops. This plate, titled "Poissons Pl. 3", was drawn by Werner, engraved by Bernard, and printed by Bougeard. The detail and precision of this lithograph reflect the commitment to both artistic refinement and scientific accuracy that characterized 19th-century natural history publishing. The *Voyage de la Vénus* (1836–1839) was one of the great French exploratory journeys of the era, combining maritime navigation with the systematic study of flora, fauna, and ethnography across the Pacific and beyond. The zoological plates, such as this one, serve as historical documents of species distribution and early marine taxonomy, while also standing on their own as decorative and collectable works of art. Condition: Very good condition with only minor scattered foxing, mostly in the outer margins. Strong plate impression. No visible damage or restoration. Colors remain crisp and luminous. Framing tips: A natural wood or black frame paired with a cream or light blue mat will accentuate the delicate marine hues in this print. Consider using museum-grade glass to protect the original hand-coloring. A perfect statement piece for a coastal interior or marine-themed study, as well as a prized addition to any natural history collection.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)Width: 19.18 in (48.7 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1846
  • Condition:
    Very good condition with only minor scattered foxing, mostly in the outer margins. Strong plate impression. No visible damage or restoration. Colors remain crisp and luminous.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-099201stDibs: LU3054345520392

More From This Seller

View All
Vintage Fish Illustration – Sea Bass and Mottled Soapfish, Paris 1846
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Print of Serranus Colonus and Rypticus Bicolor, Paris 1846 This beautifully hand-colored 19th-century print features two vividly illustrated marine species: Le Serran Colon ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Rare Hand-Colored Antique Fish Print of the Gaimard's Ray, 1842
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print, titled: 'Poissons Plate 2 - La Raie de Gaimard (Raia gaimardi).' - This rare plate shows the Gaimard's ray. From: 'Voyage en Islande et au Groenland' by M. Paul Gaimar...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Turbot Fish by Gide, 1846
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Le Turbot des Marquises (Passer Marchionessarum)'. This print originates from 'Voyage autour du monde sur la frégate La Venus (..)' by Gide, Paris, 1846.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Stunning Hand-Colored Antique Prints of a Toucan, 1806, Rare!
Located in Langweer, NL
Titel: "L'Aracari Koulik mâle du Brésil". A rare and stunning colour-printed stipple engraving, finished by a contemporary hand. Fine example, from the first edition of the 'Histo...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tropical Fish Engraving – Parrot Hind and Diacope, Paris 1846
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Print of Parrot Hind and Green Diacope – French Voyage, 1846 This hand-colored lithograph features two tropical fish species, scientifically illustrated for the French exped...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Fish Print of the Giant Hawkfish and a Scorpionfish by Gide, 1846
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled '1. La cirrhite Rivulé (Cirrhites Rivulatus), 2. La Scorpène Fardée (Scorpoena Fucata). The giant hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus is a species of hawkfish. Scorpio...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

18th Century Set of Ten Hand-Colored Illustrations of Minerals by Joseph Buchoz
By Pierre Joseph Buchoz
Located in Haarlem, NL
Complete set of ten paper hand-colored illustrations from Premiere Centurie de Planches Enluminees et Non Enluminees (Decade 6 Regne Mineral) by Pierre Joseph Buchoz, Paris and Amste...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Victorian Hand Colored Lithograph in Original Frame, Large Rare Folio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century Victorian hand colored lithograph in original frame. Large and rare folio Beautiful original hand colored print of four girls titled, “God i...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Contemporary Italian Pineapple Hand-Colored Print Collection 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Hand-colored print entirely made in Florence by master craftsmen using an antique press and artisanal paper and showing a pineapple. Another print repr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Italian Pineapple Hand-Colored Print Collection 2 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Hand-colored print entirely made in Florence by master craftsmen using an antique press and artisanal paper and showing a pineapple. Another print repr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 European Hand Colored Prints of Birds from 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper

Set Of 4 European Hand Colored Prints Of Birds From 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper