Mid-18th Century Prints

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

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...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la Champagne et des Pays Voisins (..)'. Detailed map of Champagne and surrounding regions of Chalons and Soissons, Reims,...

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...

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 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 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 "...

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...

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...

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

Plate XII: 'Chirurgie'. (Surgery.) This plate shows a sick man and child to be operated on. This print originates from 'Encyclopédie (..)' by D. Diderot. Published, circa 1760.

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

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...

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...

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 ...

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

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 '...

Nice decorative and detailed map from the Gulf of Siam and Mindoro to Timo, Java and Sumatra Borneo and Roy de Siam. Large compass rose and nice cartouche. Title: Carte des Isles ...

Antique map of the Mediterranean and a large part of Europe, illustrating the voyage of St. Paul to Rome. This map originates from ‘Biblia Sacra, dat is, de H. Schriftuer van het Oud...

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

Antique map titled 'Motus Comtarum in Hemispaerio Australi (..)'. This uncommon chart depicts the passage of comets in the southern sky between the years 1530-1704. Centered on the ecliptic poles and shows the constellation figures based on classical mythology, without showing the stars. The paths of dozens of comets are illustrated, eincluding those sighted by Tycho Brahe...

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

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

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

This engraving is from the Johann Michael Seligmann's collection, based on the works of George Edwards that was published in 1743. The text in the image is in both German and Latin...

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

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

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

This double-engraved page featuring the titles "The Apparel of the Hottentot Men" and "The Apparel of the Hottentot Women" are from the 18th-century book "The Present State of the Ca...

"Vanitas of Roman Grandeur: A Charpentier's Homage to Piranesi" This etching by François Philippe Charpentier, crafted around 1757, serves as a satirical homage to Piranesi's works....

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

Set of Three Hand Colored Copper Wheel Engraved Floral Prints by John Hill c1756. One print signed in the plate, "I Hill." Published in England and hand colored. From an edition of 6...

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...

Title: 1757 Engraving of Inuit & Indigenous Peoples – Hudson Bay & Arctic Canoe Scene Description: This rare 1757 antique copperplate engraving presents two fascinating scenes depicting Indigenous life in Arctic Canada, focusing on the Inuit and other First Nations communities in the Hudson Bay region. Originally published in *Histoire Générale des Voyages*, the engraving provides an invaluable visual record of daily life, survival techniques, and traditional dwellings. The top illustration, titled 'Un Esquimau dans son Canot', depicts an Inuit paddling a sleek, narrow kayak through choppy waters, showcasing the remarkable boat-making skills of the Arctic peoples. The kayak, designed for hunting and efficient travel, is shown in its traditional form, reflecting centuries of adaptation to harsh northern environments. The bottom illustration, 'Esquimaux du côté du Nord-Ouest de la Baie de Hudson', portrays a male and female Inuit figure standing near an igloo, a crucial form of temporary winter shelter. The man holds a bow and arrows, symbolizing subsistence hunting, while the woman carries a small child. In the background, additional Indigenous dwellings, including conical tipis, suggest the presence of other First Nations groups living near the Hudson Bay coastline. The detailed hatching and shading techniques used in the engraving bring out the textures of clothing, landscapes, and architectural features, making this a historically and artistically significant piece. As an early European representation of Arctic Indigenous culture, it holds great value for collectors of ethnographic art, Canadian history, and antique travel prints...

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...

Plate 24 from "A General System of Horsemanship in All Its Branches," (La Methode et Invention nouvelle de Dresser les Chevaux). William Cavendish Duke of Newcastle's work on equestr...

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...

Antique print titled 'Vue de la Superbe place Sepulerale Erigée (..)'. View of the Prophet's Mosque or Al-Masjid an-Nabawī in Medina. This is an optical print, also called 'vue optiq...

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...

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...

Antique portrait titled 'Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard'. Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, KG (Kenninghall, Norfolk, 10 March 1536 – Tower Hill, London, 2 June 1572) was an English nobleman and politician. This print originates from Thomas Birch...

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

Antique map titled 'Nubie, Abissinie et Cote d'Ajan'. Map of Abyssinia, Sudan and the Red Sea by Robert Vaugondy. Covers from Arabia and Egypt south to M...

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...

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...

Antique map titled 'Insularum Moluccarum Nova Descriptio.' Old map of the Moluccas. The famous Spice Islands, the cornerstone of the Dutch trading empire in the East Indies throughout the 17th Century, is the focus of this exquisite map. Similar to Blaeu's map, except that it extends further south...

Pair of 18th Century Albertus Seba coloured serpent engravings (double folio). A pair of engravings with hand colouring from Albertus Seba’s (blog article here) very rare publicatio...

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

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...

This print depicting the seventh plague, marked by torrential rains, thunder, and hail causing devastation to people, animals, and crops, originates from 'Biblia Sacra, dat is, de H....

Title: "Entomologie - Lepidoptera Study Plate" from Encyclopedic Collection Description: This exquisite hand-colored engraving, titled "Entomologie - Lepidoptères," is a beautifully...

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

Title: View of the Customs House and Church of Santa Maria della Salute, Grand Canal, Venice (1760) Description: This 18th-century engraving by I. Tirion offers a panoramic view of...

"Mark Catesby (1683 – 1749) was an English self-taught artist and explorer who created one of the first folios examining the flora and fauna of North America. Catesby traveled to the...

An antique print depicting a cultural practice in Florida. The German title at the bottom of this print reads: "Opfer, welches die Floridaner der Sonne mit einem Hirsche bringen," ...

The image is a colored print depicting a "Lady of Quality in Burgundy in 1577," as indicated by the title below the illustration. The lady is dressed in a fashion typical of the late...