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Set of Eight Antique Engravings of Corals from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770

$589.64per set
£436.54per set
€490per set
CA$816.40per set
A$891.31per set
CHF 467.28per set
MX$10,825.31per set
NOK 5,835.54per set
SEK 5,510.31per set
DKK 3,730.47per set

About the Item

Set of Eight Antique Engravings of Corals from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770 A striking set of eight 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, drawn from the Histoire naturelle section, focus on corals (corallines) and related marine formations, rendered in exquisite detail. The engravings show a wide range of coral types as understood in the 18th century, when their classification straddled the boundary between plant and animal. Delicate branching corals, massive rounded heads, fan corals, brain-like structures, and sponge-like forms are all represented. Each specimen is carefully engraved to highlight its texture and natural growth pattern, from fine polyps to intricate latticework. These corals fascinated Enlightenment naturalists not only for their beauty but also for their mysterious nature—neither entirely mineral, plant, nor animal, but part of the enigmatic “zoophytes.” The plates thus represent both scientific inquiry and philosophical debate about the nature of life. Their aesthetic qualities also reflect the influence of natural history engravings on decorative art and design in the period. Collectively, the set provides a remarkable insight into the natural sciences of the Enlightenment. The engravings would have informed readers about distant seas and exotic marine landscapes, while also serving as models for cabinet collections, ornament, and intellectual speculation. Today, they stand as enduring examples of the Encyclopédie’s ambition to catalog the diversity of nature. Condition report: Good condition overall, with strong platemarks and sharp impressions. Light toning, minor foxing, and small handling marks at margins, consistent with age. Images remain crisp and well-preserved. Offered as eight separate folio sheets, unframed. Framing tips: These coral engravings make an elegant wall display when arranged in a grid or paired symmetrically. Matching frames with ivory or cream mounts emphasize their scientific clarity, while dark wood or gilt frames lend a more decorative, classical finish. A soft sea-green or blue inner matting line will subtly echo the marine theme. 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 8
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    1770-1779
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1770
  • Condition:
    Condition: Good condition overall, with strong platemarks and sharp impressions. Light toning, minor foxing, and small handling marks at margins, consistent with age. Images remain crisp and well-preserved. Offered as eight separate folio sheets.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13494-36, etc1stDibs: LU3054346682182

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