1840s Prints

Cape Barren goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae, and Snowy Sheathbill, Chionis albus. Handcoloured copperplate stipple engraving from Dumont de Sainte-Croix's "Dictionary of Natural Sci...

Title: "Dutch Peasant Woman of the Middle Ages: A Portrait of Rural Life" Description: This delicate print depicts a Dutch peasant woman from the Middle Ages, evoking a sense of sim...

Title: "Chivalric Poise: Aubrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford, as Depicted in 'Costume du Moyen Âge'" Description: This lithograph from the 1847 volume "Costume du ...

Title: "Martial Valour of an English Soldier in the Reign of Henry VI: An Illustration from 'Costume du Moyen Âge'" Description: This 1847 lithograph from "Costume du Moyen Âge" por...

Title: "German Nobleman of the Middle Ages: Elegance in Profile" Description: This vibrant print, original antique and hand-colored, presents a German nobleman from the Middle Ages,...

Title: "Louis the Bavarian: Sovereignty Enthroned" Description: This sepia-toned print from the "Costume du Moyen Age" series likely dating from 1847, features a figure known as Lou...

Title: "Herald Announcing the Death of Charles VI" Description: This 1847 hand-colored engraving is titled "Héraut Annonçant la Mort de Charles VI," translating to "Herald Announcin...

Title: "Anne d'Auvergne: Nobility in Heraldic Robes" Description: This print represents Anne d'Auvergne, a figure of nobility, depicted in a stately and refined manner. She is clad ...

Title: "Civilian Costume at the End of the 15th Century" Description: The image is a print from a series the "Costume du Moyen Age" dated 1847, and titled "Costume Civil de la Fin d...

Title: "Isabeau of Bavaria: The Queen's Regalia" Description: This print is a depiction of Isabeau of Bavaria, Queen Consort of King Charles VI of France. She is shown in an ornate ...

This original antique print portrays a medieval nobleman, identified as "Guillelmo Beauchamp," which may refer to William de Beauchamp, a prominent figure in English history. The nob...

This handcolored original antique print features a figure labeled "Gunther de Schwarzbourg, roi des Romains," which identifies him as Günther von Schwarzburg, a German king. He is depicted in a traditional gothic archway that frames the illustration, reminiscent of a church's stained glass window. In the illustration, Günther is clad in armor, with a chainmail coif and a helmet adorned with a crown, indicating his royal status. The blue tunic worn over his armor is embellished with a pattern of fleur-de-lis, a symbol often associated with royalty. He also has golden arm and leg guards, and his red belt stands...

This illustration depicts three English soldiers from the reign of King Henry III, as indicated by the title "Soldats Anglais du Regne de Henri III." Each soldier is shown wearing di...

The image for sale depicts a figure labeled "Fantassin armé," which translates to "Armed Infantryman." The infantryman is shown in a dynamic pose, holding a shield and a mace, indica...

An original hand-colored lithograph showing the "Avocat des Eglises," which translates to "Advocate of the Churches." This title likely refers to a legal position within the church,...

The illustration features two primates and accompanying anatomical sketches of their skulls, indicating a level of scientific study: 1. **Colobe Guéréza** - This is the Guereza, also known as the Eastern black-and-white colobus. It is notable for its stark black and white fur, long bushy tail, and the mantle of long white hair that surrounds its back. Colobus monkeys...

Original antique print. More research is needed, but some info here: 1. **Doryphore à queue courte:"Doryphore" often translates to "potato beetle" in French, but in the context of r...

Tom Tit & Redpoll Fine large folio stipple engraving with hand colour. On Turkey Mills Wattman paper dated 1819. Overall dimensions: 35.3 x 26 cm Issued in Brookshaw’s scarce mon...

19th-Century Hand-Coloured Print of Medieval Musicians on Horseback This captivating original hand-coloured lithograph, dating to 1842, offers a vivid glimpse into the ceremonial an...

Title: 19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Chainmail Hauberk and Plate Leg Armor Description: This hand-coloured lithograph features a detailed depiction of essential compone...

19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Medieval Gauntlets and Arm Defenses This finely detailed hand-coloured lithograph showcases a variety of medieval gauntlets and arm defens...

Title: 19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Ornate Spiked and Circular Shields Description: This exquisite hand-coloured lithograph features two striking examples of medieval...

Title: 19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Medieval Siege Engines and Catapults Description: This meticulously detailed hand-coloured lithograph illustrates a series of medie...

1. RHYNCHDA CAPENSIS – RHYNCHEE DU CAP OU DE MADAGASCAR, 2. EURYPYGA HELIAS – CAURALE PHALENOIDE. (translated; 1. Painted snipe, 2. Sunbittern, a bittern-like bird of tropical regi...

Antique botany print titled 'Rhododendrum Barbatum'. Large lithograph of the rhododendron barbatum. This print originates from volume 5 of 'Flore des serres et des jardins...

Antique costume print titled 'Jésuite missionnaire à la Chine'. Original antique print of a Jesuit in China. This print originates from 'Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les pe...

Antique print titled 'A Suit of Genoese Armour, in the possession of Sir Samuel Meyrick K.H.'. Old print of Genoese armour. The Genoese crossbowmen was ...

Title: Handcolored Engraving of African and Charrúa Men, Paris 1849, from d'Orbigny's 'Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle' This rare and striking handcolored engraving, c...

Antique print titled 'Japanese von Stand und sein Diener'. Original antique print of a Japanese nobleman and his servant. This print originates from 'Die Volker des Erdballs (..)' ...

19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph of Insect Life Cycles – Moths, Bees, and Caterpillars with Host Plants This illustration is a detailed entomological plate showcasing various st...

Antique portolano, nautical map of Golfe De St. Drely engraved on a copper plate by Antoine Roux, Marseille France 1844, from his work Recueil des principaux plans des ports et de Ra...

A set of 3 lithographs of French actors signed by the actors, circa 1843. Clotilde Ballauri, Alfred Harmant and another without printed name. sight: 9 ½ by 12 ½ inches frame: 13 ...

William Henry Simmons (British, 1811-1882) Hand-tinted engraving after a painting by Anson Ambrose Martin. sight: 29 ½ by 20 ½ inches frame: 37 by 28 inches

Pair of subtly hand colored lithographic prints of specimen mushrooms from the book titled "Illustrations of British mycology, containing figures and descriptions of the funguses of ...

Set of Four Hand-Colored Botanical Prints from Book of Worlds, 1848 This elegant set of four hand-colored botanical lithographs originates from the 1848 German natural history publi...

Title: "Traditional Eleuth Warrior Attire in 1844 Lithograph" Description: This hand-colored lithograph titled *Eleuthe* (Eleuth) portrays a man from the Eleuth tribe, a subgroup of the Oirat Mongols. The image is part of Auguste Wahlen's "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les Peuples de Monde" (Customs, Manners, and Dress of All the Peoples of the World), published in 1844. The print was created by an anonymous engraver after Wahlen's designs, with notable contributions from artists such as Evrard Duverger, L. Markaert, and R. King. The lithograph is enhanced with Arabic gum on vellum paper, adding a bright gloss and deepening the colors. Notable Features of the Attire: - Helmet: The warrior wears a distinctive helmet, possibly crafted from metal or leather, which suggests a readiness for battle. The helmet design is typical of Mongolian and Central Asian tribes, providing protection while maintaining mobility. - Coat: The long, fur-lined coat is characteristic of the Eleuths, suited to the cold climates of Central Asia. The coat is intricately patterned, showcasing both practicality and status. - Sword: The sword hanging by his side is a symbol of his warrior class. The hilt appears to be ornately decorated, hinting at a higher social rank or experience in battle. Cultural and Historical Insight: The Eleuth people were part of the broader Oirat confederation of nomadic Mongols who lived in what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia. Their warrior culture was highly developed, and this lithograph captures the essence of a soldier's dress during the 19th century. The attire shown here reflects both the harsh environment and the martial lifestyle that characterized their existence. Keywords for Searching: People searching for prints like this might use terms such as "Eleuth warrior lithograph," "Wahlen 1844 Mongolian print...

Title: "Chinese Merchant with Sail Cart from Wahlen's 1844 Lithographs" This hand-colored lithograph titled *Marchand Chinois – Voiture à voile* (Chinese Merchant – Sail Cart) is fr...

Title: "Vibrant 1844 Handcolored Lithograph of Siberian Tschuktsches Family" This print is a handcolored lithograph from the 1844 collection "Moeurs, Usages et Costumes de tous les ...

Issued in the much sought after and scarce series: Abbé Lorenzo Berlèse Iconographie du genre camellia ou description et figures des camellia les plus belles et les plus rares ...

An original handcolored antique print featuring a series of illustrations of moths. Each moth is meticulously detailed, showcasing a variety of wing patterns and colors. The visual s...

The animal depicted in this print is commonly known as the horseshoe crab, specifically the Limulus polyphemus, also known as the Atlantic horseshoe crab. These marine arthropods are...

These beautiful hand-colored botanical illustrations, drawn and lithographed by the renowned artist Walter Hood Fitch, were featured in Sir William Jackson Hooker's *"Curtis's Botanical Magazine,"* published in London in 1847. Fitch was one of the most prolific and skilled botanical illustrators of the 19th century, known for his ability to capture the intricate details and vibrant hues of the plants he depicted. Sir William Jackson Hooker, a famous British botanist and the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, commissioned these illustrations as part of his work to document newly discovered plants from around the world. The *Curtis’s Botanical Magazine* has been published since 1787 and remains one of the longest-running botanical periodicals. Detailed Descriptions of Each Plant #### 1. **Dipladenia Rosa-campestris** (*Hortul. ex Veitch*) - **English Name**: Rose Dipladenia - **Description**: This illustration showcases *Dipladenia rosa-campestris*, a striking flowering plant known for its showy pink to deep red trumpet-shaped flowers. Native to tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil, *Dipladenia* belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is prized in horticulture for its vibrant blooms and ability to climb. Fitch's illustration emphasizes the waxy leaves and the vivid color of the petals, bringing the plant to life on the page. #### 2. **Begonia fuchsioides** (*Hook.*) - **English Name**: Fuchsia-flowered Begonia - **Description**: The *Begonia fuchsioides* is depicted with its characteristic red, pendulous flowers, which closely resemble the blooms of fuchsia plants. This species of Begonia is native to tropical regions and is popular for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers and glossy leaves. Fitch’s attention to the arrangement of the leaves and the contrast between the flowers' vibrant red and the soft green leaves provides a lifelike representation of this exotic plant. #### 3. **Agalmyla staminea** (*Blume*) - **English Name**: Staminate Agalmyla - **Description**: This illustration captures the unique red tubular flowers of *Agalmyla staminea*, a plant native to Southeast Asia. The species is part of the Gesneriaceae family and is known for its bright, showy flowers that grow in dense clusters. Fitch’s careful rendering of the plant’s leaves and the intricate veining, along with the vibrant red flowers, highlights his talent for bringing the botanical subject to life with both scientific accuracy and artistic flair. ### About the Makers #### **Walter Hood Fitch** (Artist and Lithographer) Walter Hood Fitch (1817–1892) was one of the most influential botanical artists of the 19th century, working primarily with Sir William Hooker and later his son, Joseph Dalton Hooker, at Kew Gardens. He produced thousands of illustrations for various botanical publications, including *Curtis’s Botanical Magazine*, where he was responsible for the majority of its plates from 1834 to 1877. Fitch’s mastery of lithography allowed him to create richly detailed and accurate depictions of plants, with a particular talent for illustrating both the botanical structure and the vibrant colors of flowers. #### **Sir William Jackson Hooker** (Director and Editor) Sir William Jackson Hooker (1785–1865) was a prominent British botanist and the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Under his leadership, Kew Gardens expanded its collection of plants from around the world, and Hooker was instrumental in promoting the scientific study and illustration of these species. As the editor of *Curtis’s Botanical Magazine*, Hooker collaborated with Fitch to document and share the beauty and diversity of plants with the scientific community and the public. ### The Lithographic Technique Lithography, particularly chromolithography, was a crucial innovation in botanical illustration. Fitch was skilled in the traditional method of lithography, where an image was drawn onto a stone plate with a greasy substance and then inked for printing. Hand-coloring was often applied afterward to bring the prints to life, as seen in these illustrations. This method allowed for highly detailed, accurate representations of plants and their botanical features, making it invaluable for both scientific study and aesthetic appreciation. ### Conclusion These prints from *Curtis’s Botanical Magazine* reflect the height of botanical art in the mid-19th century. The combination of Walter Fitch...

The illustration is a collection of various shells, likely representing both gastropods and bivalves: 1. **Télescope vulgaire** - Possibly named for its elongated, tubular shape, re...

This print presents a fascinating collection of historical helmets and headpieces, each representing a unique style and period. At the top left, there is a helmet with a visor and ne...

Title: "Armaments of Yore: A Study of Medieval Helmets and Armor" Description: This pair of prints presents a detailed study of medieval combat gear, showcasing the intricate design...

Title: "Civic Pride: A Podestà's Robe in 'Costume du Moyen Âge'" Description: This detailed lithograph from the 1847 "Costume du Moyen Âge" collection features a Podestà, a chief ma...

Title: "Medieval Discourse: A Moment Between Officials in 'Costume du Moyen Âge'" Description: This vibrant lithograph, extracted from the 1847 publication "Costume du Moyen Âge," i...

This hand-colored engraving, titled "Sergent d'Armes," depicts a Sergeant at Arms from the Middle Ages, a role that historically combined duties of law enforcement, security, and ceremonial functions within the royal court. The figure stands in a poised and authoritative stance, dressed in a rich blue doublet with full sleeves, edged with a yellow patterned trim that denotes his official capacity. The doublet is belted at the waist, accentuating the length of the garment which falls to the mid-thigh, a typical fashion of the period for men of status. Over the doublet, he wears a cape that drapes over one shoulder, suggesting readiness for action. The cape, matching the doublet in color and trim, reinforces his dignified position. His hose are golden, fitting snugly and shimmering in contrast to the matte finish of the doublet, indicative of the esteem of his office. The sergeant...

Title: "Vigilance in Blue: 15th Century Military Garb" Description: This original handcolored historical illustration presents a military figure from the 15th century, clad in an or...

Title: "Renaissance Youth: The Italian Page" Description: This print depicts a young Italian page, a common figure in Renaissance courts, whose duties often included serving nobilit...

Title: "Le Chevalier Gifford de Léchampton: The Gallant Knight" Description: This print portrays the knight Gifford de Léchampton in full regalia, stand...

This print presents a dignified portrait of Louis XII, King of France, known for his prudent and just reign. Standing in profile, the king is depicted in royal attire that is both la...

This print represents King Henry VI of England, depicted in a regal and contemplative pose with hands clasped in prayer. He is dressed in a blue robe with a pattern that suggests opu...

This original antique print for sale shows a figure labeled "Plebeien," which is French for "Plebeian," indicating that this individual is a commoner. The person is depicted in a long, bright yellow robe with a hood, which drapes in wide folds to the ground, a style that might have been worn for warmth or work by common people during certain periods in history. The individual is gesturing outward with his right hand, perhaps in conversation or pointing towards something of interest. The expression on his face appears engaged and animated. The simplicity of the robe, despite its vibrant color, suggests practical clothing rather than the more ornate attire of the upper classes. The color could signify a particular role within the community, a trade, or simply be a choice of personal attire. The title suggests the active role of the plebeian within the community and the everyday setting in which he belongs. Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image. Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces. In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts...

This original antique print depicts a person labeled as "Jeune Vénitien de la Calza," which translates to "Young Venetian of the Calza." The Calza was a Renaissance cultural associat...

The image depicts a figure labeled as "Noble Allemand," which means "German Noble." The nobleman is shown kneeling on one leg, with his hands raised in what could be a gesture of exc...

The image portrays a figure labeled "Chanoine," which is French for "Canon," referring to a clergy member who is part of a cathedral or a collegiate chapter. The individual is depicted in ecclesiastical robes that reflect his status within the church hierarchy. The canon is shown wearing a long, pink robe with a decorative stole over it, which is adorned with Christian symbols and patterns indicating his religious office. Over the robe, he wears a black mozzetta, a short cape that is typically worn by higher clergy in the Roman Catholic Church. He also has a white almuce, a fur-trimmed hood or shoulder cape worn by canons, draped over his left arm, and he is holding what appears to be a book of scripture or liturgy. His head is adorned with a biretta, a square cap with three or four peaks...

"Martinet coiffe" translates to "Crested Swift" in English. The Crested Swift is a bird species known for its distinctive crested appearance, often found in various parts of Africa a...

1. PIGEON-COLOMBE DE BOLIVIE, 2. PIGEON-COLOMBAR A GORGE POURPREE, 3. PIGEON-LOPHYRE GOURA. – (1. Bare-faced Ground Dove, 2. African Green Pigeon, 3. Gou...

Description: Antique print titled 'Eingeborner der Insel Rotti'. Original antique print of an inhabitant of Rote Island, Indonesia. This print originates from 'Die Volker des Erd...