Items Similar to Pair of Antique Engravings of Crabs - Diderot & d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie, 1770
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Pair of Antique Engravings of Crabs - Diderot & d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie, 1770
$349.21per set
£258.37per set
€290per set
CA$482.85per set
A$530.11per set
CHF 276.56per set
MX$6,415.07per set
NOK 3,466.24per set
SEK 3,266.11per set
DKK 2,208.07per set
About the Item
Pair of Antique Engravings of Crabs from Diderot & d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
A fine pair of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s Encyclopédie ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, Paris, circa 1770. These plates form part of the Histoire naturelle. Suite du règne animal section, devoted to crustaceans, and depict an impressive variety of crabs and related species with remarkable detail.
The first plate (Pl. LVII) features several extraordinary crustaceans, including the horseshoe crab (referred to as Crabe des Moluques), the freshwater crab (Crabe d’eau douce), and two species of squat lobsters or related decapods (Écrevisse de mer and Écrevisse-crabe). The anatomical rendering of claws, legs, and body armor demonstrates the engraver’s ability to balance scientific observation with aesthetic precision.
The second plate (Pl. LVIII) depicts four crab species: the crab of Saint-Domingue (Crabe de St. Domingue), the violet crab (Crabe violet), the spider crab (La Sirique), and a long-legged crab (Crabe à longues jambes). Each species is shown in a bold, isolated composition that highlights the diversity of form and adaptation within the crustacean family.
These engravings are a testament to the Enlightenment ambition of cataloguing and disseminating natural history knowledge. Produced for the folio edition of the Encyclopédie, they are not only valuable as works of scientific illustration but also as artifacts of one of the most influential intellectual projects of the 18th century. Displayed together, they form a fascinating and decorative set for collectors of natural history, marine life, or Enlightenment prints.
Condition report: Both plates in good condition with strong platemarks. Some toning and foxing at margins, particularly on the crab plate (Pl. LVIII), but images remain sharp and well-preserved. Unframed, sold as two separate folio sheets.
Framing tips: These engravings work well as a pair. Matching frames in dark wood or black with wide ivory mounts will emphasize their scientific character while maintaining elegance. Double matting with a thin red or green inner line can highlight the intricate linework and bring depth to the presentation.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Denis Diderot & Jean le Rond d’Alembert, Paris, ca. 1770
- Dimensions:Height: 15.36 in (39 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1770-1779
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1770
- Condition:Condition report: Both plates in good condition with strong platemarks. Some toning and foxing at margins, particularly on the crab plate (Pl. LVIII), but images remain sharp and well-preserved. Unframed, sold as two separate folio sheets.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13494-7, -81stDibs: LU3054346680932
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,641 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 AllPair of Antique Engravings of Beetles & Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie 1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Pair of Antique Engravings of Beetles and Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
A finely detailed pair of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembe...
Category
Antique 1770s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Engraving of Spiders, Centipede and Scorpion by Diderot, ca.1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Engraving of Spiders, Centipede and Scorpion from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
An original copperplate engraving from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s *Encycl...
Category
Antique 1770s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of Various Crab Species Including Swimmer Crab
Located in Langweer, NL
Original antique print of various crabs. 1) Die Stieglaugkrabbe. 2) De chiragrische Lissa. 3) Die Pisa mit knotigen Füssen. 4) Der Pactolus des du Bosc. 5) Die Pfeil-Krabbe. This pri...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$327 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Three Antique Engravings of Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Antique Engravings of Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
A set of three finely engraved copperplates from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s monumen...
Category
Antique 1770s French Prints
Materials
Paper
19th Century Antique Handcolored Print of Different Sea Crabs, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
These original hand-colored antique engravings by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez offer a captivating glimpse into the world of marine life. Created with intricate detail and vibrant c...
Category
Antique 1840s Prints
Materials
Paper
$183 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Scientific Print of Sumatran Crab and Prawn, Midden-Sumatra c.1887
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Scientific Print of Sumatran Crab and Prawn, Midden-Sumatra c.1887
This detailed antique scientific lithograph depicts two crustacea...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
Crustaceans - crabs, antique English natural history engraving print, 1837
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Crustacea'
Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. From Baron Georges Cuvier's (1769-1832) 'Animal Kingdom', published in London in 1837.
210mm by 130mm (sheet)
Category
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
