Engraved Prints

Title: Die Ente mit dem Grauen Kopf - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Duck with a Grey Head by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century This beautifully hand-colored engraving, titled...

Title: Last Supper Engraving – Luke XXII Institution of Lord’s Supper c.1735 Description: This dramatic antique engraving titled “Institution of the Lord’s Supper” illustrates the L...

Title: Christ Turns Water into Wine Engraving – John II Wedding at Cana c.1735 Description: This finely detailed antique engraving titled “Christ turneth water into wine” illustrate...

Title: Jesus Christ Engraving – John XIV I Am the Way c.1735 Description: This serene antique engraving titled “Our Saviour Jesus Christ” references St. John Chapter XIV, Verse 6, w...

Title: "Exotic Birds: Hornbill, Lyrebird, and Glossy Starling Engraved by Bertuch, 1805" This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving showcases four distinct and captivating bi...

St. Matthias Apostle Engraving – Acts I Matthias Chosen c.1735 Description: This detailed antique engraving titled “St. Matthias the Apostle” illustrates Matthias, chosen to replace...

Title: Acts III Engraving – Peter & John Heal Lame Man at Temple c.1735 Description: This powerful antique engraving titled “Acts, Chap. III – The Lame Man healed by Peter & John” d...

19th-Century Lithograph of a Spotted Phalanger and Woolly Kangaroo from Australia Description: This stunning 19th-century lithograph presents two fascinating marsupials native to...

Title: Acts XIII Engraving – Elymas the Sorcerer Struck Blind c.1735 Description: This dramatic antique engraving titled “Acts Chap. XIII – Elymas the Sorcerer struck with Blindness...

Title: Portrait of Abraham Ortelius Engraved by Philippe Galle, first published in 1579, featured in the *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum*. Description: This is a meticulously detailed portrait of Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598), the renowned Flemish cartographer, geographer, and creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. This copperplate engraving, crafted by the master engraver Philippe Galle (1537–1612), was first published in the 1579 edition of Ortelius’s groundbreaking work. The image presents a bust-length profile of Ortelius facing to the left, emphasizing his austere yet intellectual presence. He is depicted wearing formal attire typical of the late Renaissance period, including a richly textured doublet with a fur-lined collar and a finely detailed ruff around his neck. His aged, yet determined face, with a pointed beard and furrowed brow, symbolizes his deep dedication to the study of geography and cartography. Surrounding the portrait is an elaborate architectural and floral frame, characteristic of late 16th-century Mannerist designs, which conveys a sense of both intellectual grandeur and artistic sophistication. At the top of the frame is a "Chi Rho" symbol, representing Christ, and emphasizing the religious underpinnings of Ortelius's worldview. The Latin inscription below the portrait reads: "Spectandum dedit Ortelius mortalib. orbem, Orbi spectandum Galleus Ortelium" ("Ortelius gave the world to be seen by mortals, Galleus gave Ortelius to be seen by the world.") This suggests the lasting legacy of Ortelius’s work in mapping the known world and how Galle, through his engraving, immortalized Ortelius himself. About the Engraver: Philippe Galle (1537–1612) was a prominent Flemish engraver and publisher, known for his precision and technical skill in copperplate engraving. Galle often worked with leading figures of his time, producing prints that highlighted important cultural, intellectual, and political figures. His engraving technique involved etching intricate lines and textures onto a copperplate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper to produce highly detailed prints. His collaboration with Ortelius on this project further solidified his reputation as a master engraver. Why Ortelius was Important: Abraham Ortelius is celebrated as one of the founders of modern cartography. His atlas, *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum* (Theatre of the World), published in 1570, was the first to gather a comprehensive collection of maps into a single, standardized volume. This work marked a turning point in the history of geography by establishing a modern understanding of world mapping. Ortelius also significantly contributed to geographic knowledge by incorporating information from various cartographers, which helped to unify mapmaking practices across Europe. Ortelius's work not only aided navigators and explorers but also influenced scholars and rulers in their understanding of the world. His reputation extended well beyond his home in Antwerp, making him one of the most respected intellectuals of his time. Keywords: Abraham Ortelius portrait, Philippe Galle engraving, 1579 Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Renaissance cartography, Ortelius atlas, historical cartographer portrait, copperplate engraving, Mannerist engravings...

Great Seal of King William III – Rapin’s History of England c.1786 Description: This antique print depicts the Great Seal of King William III, origin...

19th-Century Lithograph of Newfoundland and St. Bernard Rescue Dog Barry This finely detailed 19th-century lithograph features two renowned dog breeds: the Newfoundland dog (De Ne...

19th-Century Lithograph of a Lioness, Her Cubs, and Their Caretaker This unique 19th-century lithograph depicts an unusual yet tender interaction between a lioness, her young cubs...

19th-Century Lithograph of a Skunk and European Otter in Exquisite Detail This beautifully executed 19th-century lithograph showcases two remarkable mammals: the skunk (Het stinkd...

19th-Century Lithograph of Collared Peccary, Javanese Skunk, and Nordic Wolverine This detailed 19th-century lithograph features three distinct mammals: the collared peccary (De v...

Antique print with views of the Nile, Egypt. Below near Damietta. Published by C. de Bruijn, circa 1700. Cornelis de Bruijn (also spelled Cornelius de Bruyn, pronounced (1652 – 17...

Rare 19th-Century Lithograph of Kinkajou, Coati, and European Badger This beautifully detailed 19th-century lithograph showcases three distinct mammal species: the kinkajou (De re...

Moles, Shrews, and Burrowing Mammals from 'The Mammals' Natural History Lithographs Here is a detailed description of the two lithographs, which focus on moles and related species. ...

This handcolored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children) beautifully illustrates various stages in the life cycle of...

Pyrotechnicae repraesentationis splendidissimae typus – Fireworks View c.1765 This antique print is an optical view depicting a grand fireworks display, likely celebrating the coron...

Ecclesiastical Knight of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Lazarus This exquisite hand-colored engraving showcases an ecclesiastical knight from the illustrious Order of...

This hand-colored engraving is attributed to Robert Benard (1734-1786) and originates from the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, published around 1790. It showcases four different birds, de...

Knight of the Order of the Elephant: 18th-Century Danish Chivalric Elegance This captivating hand-colored engraving illustrates a "Ritter Elephanten-Orden des weißen in Dänemark" ...

This map is titled "Map of Kerguelen’s Land, called by Cook Island of Desolation." It represents the geographic layout of Kerguelen Island, also known as the Island of Desolation, lo...

Set of 2 antique botany prints. It shows the Hollow-Rooted Fumitory and Solid-Rooted Fumitory. These prints originate from 'The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed (..)' b...

Title: "Title-Page to a Book of Prospects of London, Published by R. Butter (1785-1799)" This etching, serving as the title-page to a 'Book of Prospects of London', was published by...

This engraving is a detailed depiction of a snow leopard, also known as an ounce (Panthera uncia). It shows the animal in a profile view, allowing for a clear observation of its phys...

Description: Antique print titled 'Le grand sacrifice des Canadiens à Quitchi-Manitou ou le grand esprit'. This plate shows an ethnic scene of Native Americans dancing...

Optica View The Hague Prinsegracht, Basset c.1770 Hand-Colored Engraving This is a beautifully engraved and hand-colored optical print titled *Vue perspective du Chateau du Prince G...

Optica View The Hague Canal & Cannon Foundry, Basset c.1770 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled *Vue du Canal et de l’Hotel de Fonderie de Canon a la Hay...

Optica View The Hague Nieuwe Voorhout from the Bos, c.1770 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled 'Gesicht van het Nieuwe Voorhout komende uyt het Bosch. Vu...

Title: Hand-Colored Optical Print of Delft Canal, The Hague by Jean-François Daumont, ca. 1770 This hand-colored optical view, titled "Vue Perspective du Canal de Delft à la Haye Vi...

Title: Hand-Colored Victorian Woodcut of Melbourne’s Samuel Mullens Library, 1889 Description: This hand-colored woodcut engraving, published in the *Illustrated London News* on January 19, 1889, offers a captivating glimpse into the cultural and social life of late 19th-century Melbourne. The scene illustrates the bustling interior of Samuel Mullens' Circulating Library, located on Collins Street East, a prominent hub for literature and intellectual engagement in the Victorian era. The illustration, crafted with the meticulous detail typical of wood engravings, was later hand-colored to bring the lively scene to life. It showcases a diverse group of patrons—fashionably dressed women, children, and men—exploring the library’s offerings. The women are adorned in elegant Victorian attire, complete with elaborate hats, fitted bodices, and flowing skirts, while young girls hold their cases, perhaps for borrowing books or carrying personal items. What makes this print especially significant is its representation of a key institution in Melbourne’s cultural landscape. Circulating libraries like Samuel Mullens’ were essential to the dissemination of knowledge, providing access to books and periodicals for both leisure and education. The inclusion of promotional signage, such as the advertisement for "Mordan...

Knight of the Order of Dannebrog: 18th-Century Danish Chivalric Elegance This distinguished hand-colored engraving depicts a "Ritter vom Danebrogs-Orden in Dänemark" (Knight of th...

Title: Portrait of Henry Garnet (1555–1606), Jesuit Priest and Martyr – 17th-Century Copper Engraving This fine copper engraving from around 1670 depicts Henry Garnet, a Jesuit prie...

A riveting impression on Japanese cream woven paper by famed Modernists wood engraver Paul Landacre. This particular work was purportedly created for the cover of the Prospectus, Pau...

Knight Templar in War Attire: 1791 Hand-Colored Engraving from Historical Series This striking hand-colored engraving, titled "Ein Tempelherr in seiner Kriegskleidung" (A Knight T...

Grand Cross of the Order of St. George in Bavaria: 1791 Hand-Colored Engraving This striking hand-colored engraving, titled "Grosskreuz des St. Georgen Ordens in Bayern" (Grand Cr...

Oldehove in Leeuwarden by Johannes Hilverdink after Everhardus Koster, 1858 This 1858 hand-colored lithograph by Johannes Hilverdink, based on the work of Everhardus Koster, beaut...

Knight of the Teutonic Order: 1791 Hand-Colored Engraving in Ceremonial Dress This finely detailed hand-colored engraving, titled "Ritter des deutschen Ordens" (Knight of the Teut...

Title: The Capture of Two Spanish Admiral Ships by the Fleet of the Dutch West India Company under Admiral Pieter Adriaensz Ita, 1628 Description: This mid-17th century engraving, c...

Title: "The Economic Balancing Act: A Satirical View of 1780 Britain" This original etching and engraving, circa 1780, is a satirical commentary on the precarious state of the Briti...

Optica View Amsterdam Halvemaansbrug & St. Anthoniesluis, Leizelt c.1770 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled Le Pont de Halvemansbrugg vue vers le Colven...

Optica View Amsterdam Amstel River by Rondel, Winckler c.1770 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optical print titled La Riviere d’Amstel à Amsterdam pres le Logement t’Rond...

Seaside Resorts of Australia – Illustrated London News, 1889 This vibrant hand-colored wood engraving, published in *The Illustrated London News* on October 12, 1889, provides a p...

Title: "Great St. Bernard and St. Gotthard Passes: Alpine Routes of Switzerland, 1805" Description This finely hand-colored copperplate engraving vividly depicts two iconic Alpine p...

The grand entry of Charles III into Madrid on June 25, 1706, was a significant moment during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). This conflict arose over competing claim...

Antique Map: Cenomanorum Galliae regionis typus vulgo le Mans – Blaeu, circa 1640 This beautifully engraved and hand-colored map depicts the historical province of Maine in northw...

"Botanical Illustration of Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sow Thistle)" Description: This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving by F. Guimpel, from the early 19th century, featur...

This engraving is an allegorical frontispiece featuring a depiction of the ruins of ancient Rome, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the city's grandeur through its remnants. The com...

Mexican Indians Bringing Flowers and Fruits to Market, Lake Chalco, 1866 This vibrant hand-colored wood engraving, published in Harper's Weekly on November 10, 1866, beautifully i...

Battle on the Kauwensteinse dike, 26 mai 1585, attack from the Staten army and ships from Sealand on the dike against the Spanish in the Eighty Years' War. An original historical ar...

Antique print titled 'Buonaparte au Mont St. Jean, fait usage de son talisment ordinaire'. Rare satirical print of Napoleon fleeing from the battlefield. He is similarly dressed except that he wears a cuirass, the back and front joined by straps, and his empty scabbard hangs at his side. He looks over his shoulder at his little son (right) who runs after him, holding up a toy windmill on a stick. Napoleon's sabre and star of the Legion of Honour lie on the ground (right). The child, styled in France during the Hundred Days Prince Imperial...

Knight of the Order of the Redeemer or Precious Blood, 18th-Century Engraving This exquisite 18th-century hand-colored engraving portrays a Knight of the Order of the Redeemer (or...

Antique print titled 'Paleis van den Paus in 't Vatikaan'. This print originates from 'Hedendaagsche historie van, en reis-boek door Italien'. Amst., M. de Bruyn, 1779.

1740 Batavia Chinese Massacre Engraving – Dutch Colonial Indonesia This is an original 18th-century engraving depicting the Batavia Chinese Massacre of October 9, 1740. Titled in Fr...

Optica View of Batavia Castle Bastion Perl, Indonesia, circa 1770 This is an original 18th-century hand-coloured optical print depicting a view of the Bastion Perl along the curtain...

Antique print titled 'Sultan Hibraim I (..)'. Portrait of Ottoman sultan Ibrahim I, bust-length directed to left; in oval. Published by Balthasar Moncornet, circa 1660. Balthasar ...

"A View General of the City of Havana of Amerique." Contemporary hand-colored copper engraving, designed as an optical view. Engraved text in French (in reverse) above the image and...

Title: Hand-Colored Optical View of Buitenhof, The Hague, by Jacob Wagner, ca. 1760 This hand-colored optical view, created by Jacob Wagner and published around 1760, depicts the Bu...