The Wonders of Nature: Exquisite 18th Century Engravings of Reptiles and Insects

Title: 18th-Century Artillery Engraving of the Spanish Captain's Carriage and Mechanisms Description: This highly detailed 18th-century engraving presents a meticulously rendered...

Antique Illustrations of Colorful Insects: Hand-Colored Engravings from the 18th and 19th Century This exquisite pair of antique prints showcases vibrant depictions of colorful inse...

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...

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

Each print is mounted in a cherrywood parcel-gilt frame, with a glazed reverse depicting the corresponding text sheet. L'Andaloux, Le Cheval d'Espagne, Plate I; Le Barbe, Le Che...

Superb pair of 18th century English engravings.

This wonderful engraving belongs to a set of three engravings representing children's games. This series dates from the 18th century. It consists of the game of hide and seek, the game of the four corners and the game of the ox leg. The scene depicted here is immersed in an abundance of nature. In the centre is a young girl walking away with her eyes poorly concealed. A young man is also walking away in the opposite direction, holding a handkerchief in his left hand. Behind them, seven other girls are sitting down and seem to be paying no attention to the two young men in the foreground. In the background is a bust resting on a pillar, all decorated with roses. This scene is taken from a painting by Nicolas Lancret...

Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...