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A Treasury of Molluscs: 19th Century Hand-Colored Illustrations

About the Item

The collage of the three prints from the "Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle," published in 1849 showcases a variety of mollusc species. Description: This collage unites a diverse assembly of mollusc illustrations, each rendered with meticulous care and hand-colored detailing. From the sculptural beauty of bivalves to the delicate patterns of gastropods, these prints capture the rich biodiversity of marine life as understood in the 19th century. They serve as a historical testament to the fascination with natural history during this period and remain a valuable resource for both scientific study and artistic inspiration. The prints depict various species of mollusks. Here are the names and descriptions of each species as labeled on the prints: **Print 1:** 1. **Cardium magnum** - Likely referring to a species of cockle, these bivalve mollusks have robust, rounded shells with radiating ribs. 2. **Etheria pilumbra** - A species of freshwater mussel with an irregular and somewhat flattened shell, native to Africa. 3. **Tridacna squamosa** - Known as the fluted giant clam, characterized by its large, scalloped shell with fluted edges. 4. **Chama Lazarus** - A type of jewel box clam known for its thick, ridged shell that often has a wavy outline. **Print 2:** 1. **Galathea radiata** - This refers to a type of squat lobster, not a mollusk, and the name might be outdated or incorrect. 2. **Cyrena cardiformis** - A species of bivalve that has a somewhat heart-shaped, thick shell. 3. **Astarte Islandica** - A species of bivalve found in colder waters, with a sturdy, rounded shell. 4. **Cyclus rivicola** - Likely a misspelling or an outdated name for a species of bivalve with a smooth, rounded shell. **Print 3:** 1. **Gnathodon cuneatus** - A species of bivalve with a somewhat elongated, triangular shell. 2. **Crassatella rotunda** - This bivalve has a rounded, slightly elongated shell with a smooth surface. 3. **Mya truncata** - A bivalve known as the blunt gaper or truncated soft-shell clam, with a rounded, inflated shell. 4. **Mactra veneriformis** - A bivalve with a triangular, smooth shell, often referred to as the trough shell. 5. **Donax variabilis** - Known as the variable coquina, this small bivalve has a wedge-shaped shell with variable color patterns. 6. **Chione cancellata** - Commonly called the cross-barred venus, a species of bivalve with a sturdy shell marked by cancellated ridges. These descriptions provide a snapshot of the mollusks as they were known and classified in the 19th century, with some names possibly outdated due to changes in taxonomic classification over time. The illustrations likely served both scientific and educational purposes, displaying the physical characteristics that define each species.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Width: 6.11 in (15.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1849
  • Condition:
    Good. Some edges a bit rough, but leaving enough space for matting or framing. Some soiling due to handling over almost 200 years. Study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13718-9 and BG-13718-10 and BG-13718-121stDibs: LU3054338163952
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