Mid-18th Century Prints

Fort St. George on the Coromandel Coast – Hand-Colored Engraving by R. Sayer, London, 1754 This rare and striking hand-colored engraving depicts Fort St. George, the first British f...

Johann Weinmann Set of Twelve Botanical Engravings, Circa 1740. A fine set of twelve Johann Weinmann copper engraving, printed in colors and finished by hand. The engravings within ...

Dutch East India Company Engraving of Batavia and Trade, Heydt 1744 This striking and vividly hand-colored copper engraving is taken from Johan Wolfgang Heydt's rare work on the Dut...

Title: African and Moorish Women in Traditional Dress – Rare 1734 Costume Engraving Description: This finely detailed copperplate engraving from 1734 presents four distinct portraya...

Pair of 18th century Italian architectural etchings of churches in Rome by Guiseppe Vasi (1710-1782) from "Raccolta Delle Più Belle Veduta Antiche...

Antique print titled 'Vue Generale Perspective de l'Hôtel Royal des Invalides'. Bird's-eye view of Hôtel National des Invalides, Paris, France. Published, circa 1760.

This image is an antique colored etching from a botanical work by J.W. Weinmann, titled "Duidelyke vertoning eeniger duizend in alle vier waerelds deelen wassende bomen, stammen, kru...

The collage of original antique engravings a compilation of three prints from the "Encyclopédie" by Diderot and d'Alembert. Each print showcases various furnishings and decorative elements relating to beds and upholstery from the 18th century. The collection presents a visual guide to the design and craftsmanship of the period. In the first print, we see two types of beds with canopies, known as "Lit à colonnes" and "Lit à la Duchesse," accompanied by different fabric patterns that might be used for the bed drapery or other upholstery within a room. The second print continues with illustrations of beds, including "Lit à double tombeau" and "Lit à tombeau simple," a camp bed or "Lit de camp à l'Angloise," as well as a folding screen ("Paravent"), a fire screen ("Ecran"), and a type of swing door ("Porte-Batante"). The third print features a more elaborate "Lit à la Polonaise...

Description: Antique map titled'Theatrum Historicum pars Orientalis.' Finely engraved historical map with a profusion of details. It shows the Middle East and Asia. Decorative ti...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van de Noord Pool na de alderlaatste ondekking int licht gebracht'. Map of the Northern Hemisphere and North Pole, which shows the NE Passage, but no...

Idols of Campeche, Yucatán, and Tabasco in Early Colonial Imagination This dramatic 18th-century copperplate engraving, dated 1723, depicts the so-called idols and ritual scenes ass...

This captivating antique print, titled 'The Satier, Sauage, Wild-man, Orang-autang, Chimp-anzee', is a meticulously detailed zoological study of an orangutan from the renowned work "...

Title: Detailed 1730 Maritime Warship Print with Tools, Rigging, and Ship Cross-Section Description: This exceptionally detailed and decorative maritime print, published in Nurember...

Title: Striking 18th-Century Engraving of Papal Chronology and Symbols of the Vatican This beautifully detailed 18th-century engraving, 'Pontificum Romanorum Series Chronologica'...

Antique print, titled: 'Le Pape va en ceremonie prendre possession du pontificat (…)' - This very large original antique print shows the procession for the Papal inauguration in the ...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la Coste d'Arabie (..) - Kaart van de Kust van Arabië (..)'. This is a Dutch version, engraved by J. van Schley, of Bellin's map of Arabia and the Red Sea...

Title: "Ornate Baroque Stairs: Van der Horst's Design Mastery" Description: These original antique engravings are from Tieleman van der Horst's comprehensive architectural work, illustrating the intricacy and grandeur of Baroque staircase designs. Engraving XVII reveals a dual staircase...

Antique map Switzerland titled 'Territorium Reipublicae liberae Helveticae Scaphusiensis (..)'. Regional map of Switzerland. Artists and En...

Carte des Isles de Java, Sumatra, Borneo – Decorative Map by Bellin & van Schley, 1750s This richly detailed and decorative map titled Carte des Isles de Java Sumatra Borneo & les d...

Original hand-colored antique bird print showing an American Kingfisher from the book "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751) by George Edwards. This hand-colored engraving showcases the bird perched on a branch, holding a fish in its beak. The kingfisher is characterized by its distinctive plumage, with a slate-blue back and wings, a speckled tail, and a prominent crest on its head. Its body is white underneath with some pinkish hues near the breast. The bird's sharp beak is shown spearing a fish, emphasizing its hunting prowess. The surrounding environment includes a simple background with water and vegetation, highlighting the bird's natural habitat. This illustration is part of an increasingly rare and treasured collection of natural history artwork from the 18th century. George Edwards (1694–1773) was an English naturalist and ornithologist who is often referred to as the "father of British ornithology." His most famous work, "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751), and its continuation "Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764), contain detailed illustrations and descriptions of many bird species, many of which were little known or newly discovered at the time. Edwards' work is highly regarded for its accuracy, artistry, and contribution to the field of ornithology. About George Edwards: 1. **Early Life and Career**: - Born in Stratford, Essex, Edwards was apprenticed to a tradesman in London. However, he developed an interest in natural history and began studying birds, insects, and other animals. - He spent some time traveling in Europe, studying various collections of natural history specimens. 2. **Publications**: - **"A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751)**: This work is a collection of 210 hand-colored engravings of birds. It is known for its meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in depicting bird species. - **"Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764)**: This series continued the work started in "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and included additional birds as well as other animals. - His publications also included detailed observations and descriptions, making them valuable not only for their artistic merit but also for their scientific content. 3. **Artistic and Scientific Contributions**: - Edwards was known for his ability to combine artistic skill with scientific precision. His illustrations often depicted birds in lifelike poses and settings, showing their natural behaviors. - He collaborated with and was influenced by other naturalists and illustrators of his time, such as Carl Linnaeus and Mark Catesby. - Edwards' works were used by Linnaeus in the development of his system of taxonomy. 4. **Legacy**: - George Edwards' contributions to ornithology and natural history have had a lasting impact. His detailed and accurate illustrations helped to advance the study of birds and influenced subsequent generations of naturalists and artists. - His books remain highly prized by collectors and are considered important historical documents in the field of natural history. ### "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and Its Importance: - **Illustrations**: Each illustration in Edwards' work was carefully hand-colored, and the engravings were often accompanied by descriptive text that included observations about the birds' habitats, behaviors, and physical characteristics. - **Scientific Accuracy**: Edwards took great care to ensure the accuracy of his depictions, often working from specimens he had observed firsthand. - **Influence**: The work was well-received in its time and remains a significant reference for ornithologists and historians. It contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of bird species from around the world. Overall, George Edwards' work represents a critical intersection of art and science during the Enlightenment period, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world while contributing to the scientific knowledge of his time. ------------- The bird depicted is a Belted Kingfisher...

Title: 18th-Century Engraving of European Monarchies with Heraldry and Imperial Regalia This intricately detailed 18th-century engraving, *Statua Regum et Ropotorum P.C.N.*, offer...

Antique map titled 'Carte de Normandie (..)'. Attractive map of Normandy, France. it depicts the former French Duchy of Normandy, covers the region fro...

Bernard Picart was the maker of this specific engraving. Bernard Picart (1673–1733) was a renowned engraver known for his detailed and highly skilled work, particularly in illustrati...

Title: Antique Hand-Colored Engraving of The Blackbird by Eleazar Albin, circa 1730 Description: This fine antique hand-colored engraving titled Merul, Merul, The Black Bird was dra...

Jacques Bellin's copper-plate map entitled "Partie de la Coste de Guinee Dupuis la Riviere de Sierra Leona Jusquau Cap das Palmas", depicting the coast of Guinea and Sierra Leone in ...

Description: Antique map titled 'Kaart van het Zuidelykste Gedeelte van Zuider Amerika (..) - Carte de la Partie Meridionale de l'Amerique Meridionale (..)'. Detailed chart tracking the route of Capt. George Anson's ship The Centurion in 1745. The chart shows the tracks of Anson's ships around South America & Cape Horn to the Juan Fernandes Islands, with notes on currents and positions. In 1740 Capt. George Anson (1697-1762) of the Royal Navy, was given command of a squadron of ships. As England was at war with France and Spain, Anson's task was to intercept and capture a Spanish treasure...

Plate XXXIII: 'Chirurgie'. (Surgery.) This plate shows medical instruments / devices for treating the achilles tendon. This print originates from '...

Artist or Maker: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann Title: "Lilium album peregrinum. Lilium buliferum, Knöpfigte Feuer Lilien. Lilium croceum minus, Feuer Lilien." Medium: Colored etching Catal...

Antique map titled 'Carte du Canal des Iles Philippines - Kaart van het Kanaal in de Filippynsche Eilanden'. Large detailed chart of the islands of the Philippines. One of the most detailed charts of the Philippines of the era. Shows Islands, bays, reefs, soundings tracks of the Manila Galleon route, etc. Includes a large compass...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart der platte Grond van de Stad Parys (..)'. Beautiful city plan of Paris, France. This map originates from 'Nieuwe en Beknopte Hand-Atlas, bestaande in...

Framed Botanical Engraving, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann. Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (German 1683-1741) Published in Amsterdam & Ratisbon, 1736-45....

This engraving, titled "Witwen aus Florida, die Ihre Haare auf das Grab Ihrer Manner streuen" (Native American widows from Florida who scatter their hair on the graves of their dead ...

Antique map titled 'Septemtrionaliora Americae a Groenlandia (..)'. Sea chart of the northern waters of North America, including the coast of Labrador and pa...

Antique map titled 'Kaart van Londen enz. en van het naby gelegen land ruim een Uur gaans rondsom dezelve Stad; getrokken uit de groote gemeeten Kaart van Hr. John Rocque'. In the se...

Antique Hand-Colored Engraving of The Island Goose by Eleazar Albin, circa 1730 Description: This rare antique hand-colored engraving depicts the Island Goose, titled Anser Bassanus...

Antique print titled 'La Vraije Methode pour les passades'. Original old print of the Duke of Newcastle enacting half turns, canters and pirouettes o...

Antique print titled 'Schweizer Pferd'. Original old lithograph of a Swiss horse. This print originates from 'Naturgeschichte und Abbildungen der Säugethiere: nach den neuesten Syste...

Antique print titled 'Flora'. It shows Flora lying on a bed between the trees. Two angels scatter flowers over her. Around her putti, satyrs and women who collect flowers...

Title: Sun Worship Rituals of the Floridians Depicted in Sacrificial and Offering Ceremonies Description: This dramatic 18th-century copperplate engraving presents two related ritua...

Plate 17 from "La Methode et Invention nouvelle de Dresser les Chevaux" portrays William Cavendish, the first Duke of Newcastle, providing instructions to Captain Mazin in the art of...

Title: Christ Praying in Gethsemane Engraving – Luke XXII Garden of Olives c.1735 Description: This moving antique engraving titled “Christ praying in the Mount” illustrates Jesus p...

Title: 18th Century Ethnological Engravings of Peruvians and Ecuadorians Description: These two 18th-century engravings, printed in 1756, are detailed depictions of the social and cultural life in Peru and Ecuador during the colonial era. Created by Quentin-Pierre Chedel (1705–1762), they are part of *Histoire générale des voyages* by Antoine François Prévost, a monumental collection that documented the world's exploration and cultural encounters. First Engraving (Residents of Peru): This print illustrates the residents of Lima, Peru, highlighting the various social classes and ethnic groups present in the region during the colonial period. The detailed engraving captures: A. Femme de Lima en Habit de Ville – A woman from Lima in formal city dress, representing the elite of society. B. Femme en Habit de Ménage – A woman in household dress, typical of a middle or upper-class domestic attire. C. Espagnol vêtu comme on l’est au Pérou – A Spanish man dressed as one would in Peru, showing the influence of Spanish colonial fashion on local attire. D. Mulatresse – A woman of mixed African and European descent, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of colonial Peru. E. Nègre Domestique – A domestic servant of African descent, showcasing the role of enslaved individuals in colonial households. The scene is set in a lush, natural landscape, with attention to the differences in social standing and attire. Second Engraving (Residents of Quito, Ecuador): The second engraving, although similar in style, depicts residents of Quito, Ecuador, and provides an ethnological view of the city’s diverse inhabitants. The composition shows: 1. Espagnole de Quito – A Spanish woman of high status, dressed elegantly, representing the colonial upper class in Quito. 2. Indienne de Distinction – An Indigenous woman of notable status, likely representing the local nobility or important community figures. 3. Barbier Indien – An Indigenous barber, reflecting the occupational diversity and social roles of the Indigenous population in colonial society. 4. Métive de Quito – A Métis woman from Quito, showing the mixed-race population that emerged during the colonial era. 5. Paysan Indien – An Indigenous farmer, indicating the essential role of agriculture and rural labor in the economy of colonial Ecuador. 6. Indienne du Commun – A common Indigenous woman, dressed in traditional attire, representing the majority of the Indigenous population. Like the first engraving, this print captures the varied ethnic and social dynamics in a colonial society, with figures placed in a landscape setting, emphasizing the connection between people and their environment. These engravings are not only artistic representations but also important historical records of colonial Latin America...

This is an original copperplate engraving on vellin-type paper, dating from a French edition of 1727-1738 of the monumental work "Cérémonies et Coutumes Religieuses..." by A. Moubach...

Title: "Antique Fossil Engraving - Multivalves and Marine Fossils - Plate LXVII" Description: This antique engraving is a detailed illustration o...

This is the frontispiece of the first volume of "Delle antichità di Ercolano" (The Antiquities of Herculaneum), published in 1757 by the Royal Printing House of Naples, Italy. The ...

Title: Striking 1740 Engraving of Colossus Depicting King Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Description: This vibrant 1740 engraving, titled *Colossus Monarchic Statua Danielis Dan. II. 31*...

1751 Giovanni Battista Piranesi Engraving - Veduta del Castello dell'Acqua Felice Description: This exquisite engraving by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, *Veduta del Castello dell'...

A copperplate print from 1752, showcasing portraits of six Incan rulers from different periods. Each ruler is depicted within a circular frame, symbolizing their historical and cultu...

Title: Florida Women Mourning Their Fallen Husbands, with Hermaphrodites in Ritual Service Description: This evocative copperplate engraving, published in 1723 as part of Bernard Pi...

Set of 2 hand-colored avian engravings, Italian, c. 1770, with figures of wild ducks, the mallard and the cicada, taken from Xavier Manetti's Natural History of Birds. They are on v...

Antique print titled 'Ex Museo Schadeloockiano'. Beautiful original antique print of various sea shells. This print originates from 'Verlustiging der oogen en van den geest; of Verza...

Title: 1730 Southern Hemisphere Celestial Chart with Zodiac Signs and Decorative Putti Description: This stunning 1730 celestial map, "Hemisphaerium Coeli Australe," showcases the S...

Artist or Maker: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann Title: "Lilio asphodelus luteus. Lilio asphodelus phoeniceus. Lilium album" Medium: Colored etching Source: "Duidelyke vertoning eeniger duiz...

Antique print titled 'Le Derriere du Chateau Royal de sans Soucy'. A vue d'optique of the Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam, the title printed in reverse. The open...

18th-Century Fencing Engraving – Elegant Depiction of Escrime Techniques This exquisite 18th-century engraving, titled 'Escrime', presents a detailed depiction of fencing techniqu...

Description: Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van Amerika.' Attractive map of North and South America, the western part of Africa and south west Europe. Source unknown, to be determi...

Set of three antique prints of various figures from India. These prints originate from 'Atlas Historique' published by Chatelain, 1732. Plate 1: F...

Set of four antique hand-colored engravings. "Britannia Illustrata," the publication in which these prints originally appeared, was one of the most important topographical works of t...

Title: Allegorical Print of Lithology and Conchology by Boucher Fils, 18th Century Description: This exquisite 18th-century allegorical engraving, titled La Lithologie & La Conchyli...

Good Samaritan Engraving – Luke X Helping the Injured Man 1735 This antique engraving illustrates the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 10, published in...