Engraved Wall Decorations

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

This image is an original historical print showcasing two representations of a woman from Port Francais, a locale associated with the explorations of Jean-François de Galaup, comte d...

Each with four panels detailing various ways to prevent accidents and lessons learned, including 'Feu, Eau, Contagion, Empoisonnements, and Maison'; based on 19th century original lithographs by Emile Deyrolle; Les Fils d’Emile Deyrolle, Rue du Bac...

The engravings presented here are exquisite botanical illustrations from the 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles', an authoritative work published in Brussels in 1845 und...

Rare engraving depicting a battle in the Eighty Year' War. The Battle of Rijmenam took place on July 31, 1578, during the early stages of the Eighty Years' War. It was a conflict between the States-General of the Netherlands and the Spanish governor-general, resulting in a Spanish defeat. The forces of the States-General set up camp at Rijmenam under the overall leadership of the Count of Boussu. Their army consisted of 12,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry. The English mercenaries were led by Sir John Norris and Sir Richard Bingham, the Scottish mercenaries by Robert Stuart, and the French Huguenots by François de la Noue. Don Juan of Austria, the Spanish commander, commanded an army of 12,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry. He planned to attack before reinforcements from Zutphen could arrive. His subordinates, Alexander Farnese and Gabrio Serbelloni, considered this too risky, but Don Juan proceeded with his plan and launched an early morning attack on July 31. He attempted to draw Boussu out for an open field battle, but Boussu stayed behind the dug trenches. After three hours of waiting, Don Juan ordered a company of musketeers under Alonso de Leyva and three groups of cuirassiers under the Marquis del Monte to stage a feigned attack on the village's rear. In response, Boussu sent Norris to confront them. Following the initial skirmish, Scottish forces under Stuart and Spanish infantry under Fernando Álvarez de Toledo...

The image is an antique hand-colored steel plate engraving of Dorney Church in Buckinghamshire, England. It's by Tombleson & Co, a firm known for producing prints in London during ...

This hand-colored print is labeled "Habit of Rubens Wife, in 1620." It depicts a woman dressed in the style that would have been fashionable among the upper echelons of society in th...

This engraving by C. Dupuis, part of the "Recueil de XC Têtes tirées des Sept Cartons des Actes des Apôtres," features two contrasting profiles. On the left is a serene and contempla...

The engraving titled "Natives Of Caria, A Province Of Anatolia In Turkey In Asia" depicts two individuals from Caria, a historical region in what is now modern Turkey. The attire and...

Various Articles Implements And Used By The Savages Of New Caledonia In The South Sea Description: This 1801 copperplate engraving from George Alexander Cooke's "Universal Geography" displays various tools and clothing of the indigenous people of New Caledonia in the South Sea. Items depicted include a mask, a basket for containing feathers, a warrior's cap, instruments for tattooing, a club, a spear, and other artifacts integral to the daily and ceremonial life of the New Caledonian people. The engraving provides a visual documentation of the cultural artifacts encountered by explorers like Captain James Cook during their voyages. The print includes various items used by the indigenous people of New Caledonia: 1. A mask, likely used in rituals or ceremonies. 2. A basket for containing feathers, possibly for storage or transport of valuable items. 3. A cap worn by warriors, part of their traditional attire. 4. Tattooing instruments for marking the skin with cultural or status symbols. 5. A club, which could be a weapon or a symbol of power. 6. A spear, used for hunting or as a weapon. 7. An adze, a tool for woodworking...

Antique engraving of fox hunting by Alken, Henry Thomas, 1784-1851 (Engraver). Originates from 'Sporting sketches: consisting of subjects relating to sport...

Given these specific names—Vusihyen, Hu Chew Fu, and Hou-Tcheou-Fou—it appears that the map depicts historical Chinese locations. These names are likely transliterations of Chinese names from the period. "Hu Chew Fu" might be an old Western spelling for what is known in modern pinyin as Huzhou, a city near Lake Tai in China. "Hou-Tcheou-Fou" could refer to a historical name for another city or region, also located in China. More research needed. More about the maker: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin's contributions to cartography and hydrography set a precedent in mapmaking during the 18th century. His role as Hydrographer to the French Navy and later as the Official Hydrographer to the French King placed him at the forefront of maritime charting...

An original hand-colored engraving of Norwich in England. The text within the image provides several pieces of information about the print: 1. "NORWICH." - This is the title of th...

The Amboinese Cabinet of Curiosities was a work by Georg Eberhard Rumphius, and included many engravings of sea shells and crustaceans. The German edition of the book was financed ...

Antique map titled 'Carte des environs de Batavia '. French map of the Batavia area (Jakarta) in Indonesia. With cartouche, scale and compass rose. Published circa 1750. The map i...

This elegant engraving from the late 18th century features a rosette, an ornamental design resembling a stylized rose, which has been a recurring motif in architectural design throug...

This image is an engraved portrait of Mr. Rapin de Thoyras, created for Harrington's edition of "Rapin's History of England." The individual in the portrait is Paul de Rapin, Lord ...

The engraving by D. Beauvais, part of the "Recueil de XC Têtes" series, presents a compelling juxtaposition of two heads: an elder, bearded man on the left, and a youthful, cherubic ...

The illustration is indicative of the works that emerged from the collaborations and influences of the 18th-century naturalists like George Edwards and Johann Michael Seligmann. Geor...

The engraving shows two Mamluks: one in full military attire, and the other, of a higher order, in full ceremonial dress. The detailed illustration captures the distinctiveness of th...

The image is an original antique copperplate engraving by Swidde, completed in 1695. The scene is a meticulous depiction of an elegant palace and its formal gardens, rendered in the ...

This antique engraving is an illustration from the monumental work of the "Encyclopédie Méthodique" published by Charles-Joseph Panckoucke in 1793. The plate is dedicated to "Chass...

An authentic antique engraving titled "The NATCHE: a Ceremony in Honour of the KING'S SON, in TONGATABOO." It is likely from a work related to the voyages of Captain James Cook miss...

Antique print titled 'Genealogie de la Maison de Brandebourg (..)'. Genealogy of the rulers of the Margraviate Brandenburg. This print orginates from 'Atlas Historique'. The Margraviate of Brandenburg (German: Markgrafschaft Brandenburg) was a major principality of the Holy Roman Empire from 1157 to 1806 that played a pivotal role in the history of Germany and Central Europe. Brandenburg developed out of the Northern March founded in the territory of the Slavic Wends. It derived one of its names from this inheritance, the March of Brandenburg (Mark Brandenburg). Its ruling margraves were established as prestigious prince-electors in the Golden Bull...

Title: "Renaissance Nobility: Württemberg and Mainz" This composite image juxtaposes two hand-colored prints from the Renaissance era, offering a glimpse into the fashion and famili...

Greenland & the North Pole – Antique Northern Hemisphere Map by Tirion, c.1754 ntique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van de Noord Pool na de alderlaatste ondekking int licht gebracht'. Ma...

This engraving is from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology," depicting two species of plovers. It shows the Ring Plover in two different stages of life—adult ...

A beautifully detailed print from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology," depicting the Little Gull in various stages of plumage. The artwork features an adul...

An antique engraving depicting a dance scene titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," Otaheite being an archaic name for Tahiti in French Polynesia. This engraving would have been created as a part of a series to document the culture and life of the Tahitian people, likely observed by European explorers during one of the many voyages to the South Pacific in the 18th century. In the foreground, there are central figures engaged in a dance, wearing traditional Polynesian attire, which includes wraps around their waists and adornments that seem to represent status or a part of the dance costume. They are holding what appear to be fans, which may be part of the traditional dance. The dancers' poses suggest movement and a performance aspect to the scene. Behind the dancers, we can see a group of musicians providing the accompaniment, playing drums, which indicates the importance of music and rhythm in the dance. To the right, there is an audience of seated individuals, likely members of the community, watching the performance. The background of the scene includes thatched huts and a lush landscape with palm trees, depicting a typical village setting in Tahiti. The checkerboard pattern on the ground where the dance takes place is notable, as it adds a sense of structure to the scene. This image would have been intended for a European audience unfamiliar with Tahitian culture and would have served as a visual record of the encounters between European explorers and the peoples of the Pacific Islands. The engraving you've uploaded, titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," is likely from a work documenting the voyages of Captain James Cook, given the style and subject matter. Captain Cook made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century, and his encounters with the peoples of the Pacific, including those of Tahiti (Otaheite), were extensively recorded and published. The engravings from Cook's voyages were made by artists who accompanied him, such as John Webber on his third voyage, or were based on sketches made by other crew members. These images were then published in the official accounts of the voyages. The most notable of these accounts is "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean" undertaken during Cook's third voyage from 1776 to 1780, which was published in the years following his death in 1779. Another possible source for this engraving could be from the accounts of Joseph Banks. Banks was a naturalist who joined Cook on his first voyage (1768-1771) aboard the HMS Endeavour and was responsible for extensive collections and descriptions of Pacific cultures. His collections and later works also included illustrations and engravings of the scenes and peoples encountered. Given that the engraving is labeled as "London Published as the Act directs by Alexr. Hogg at the Kings Arms...

The print is aan original detailed 1695 engraving of Ekolsund Castle in Sweden, crafted by Willem Swidde. The engraving is part of the collection from "Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna," which was a grand work showcasing the estates and landmarks of Sweden through elaborate illustrations. The scene depicted in the engraving is a classic example of the baroque garden architecture style, with geometrically arranged gardens, symmetrical layouts, and an expansive approach leading up to the castle, emphasizing the grandeur and formality of the estate. The meticulous detail in the gardens and the inclusion of figures within the grounds suggest a vibrant and cultured estate life. Ekolsund Castle, located in Enköping Municipality in Uppsala County, Sweden, is a manor house with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. By the 15th century, it was owned by the prominent Bengt Jönsson...

An engraving by Willem Swidde from 1696. The print features a palatial estate surrounded by formal gardens, a common representation of baroque architecture and landscaping. The centr...

Antique map, titled: 'Afbeelding der Oude Stad Rhodus (…).' - Sheet with 3 bird's eye plans of Rhodes, Greece. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Olf...

This attractive map of Massachusetts presents a finely detailed overview of the state in the first quarter of the 19th century. Transportation ...

The engraving depicts a harrowing and chaotic scene from an 18th-century exploration, specifically the tragic event involving Commander Fleuriot de Langle and his men. The scene is s...

Captain James Cook, depicted in a period-style coat with a cravat. His hair is styled in a manner typical of the late 18th century, combed back and ...

The image depicts two different animals, each labeled in French: 1. **Chrysochloris aurata** - This is commonly known as the Cape golden mole. It is characterized by its cylindrical...

An original historical engraving from G. Alexander Cooke's "Geography," published in 1817. The engraving is titled "View of a Tuppapon or Shed under which the Bodies of the Chiefs of...

This print from Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez's 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' illustrates three types of sea snails, each rendered with meticulous attention to det...

Title: "Narrow Escape: Captain Cook's Perilous Departure from Erromango" Description: This original antique engraving here on offer presents a dramatic scene titled "The Fortunate E...

Title: War Canoes of Otaheite equipp'd for Engagement as represented by Captn. Cooke This detailed engraving depicts the "War Canoes of Otaheite (Tahiti), as represented by Capt'n C...

Antique map titled 'Insularum Britannicarum Acurata Delineatio'. Original antique map of the ancient British Isles. England and Wales are labelled as B...

The portrait you've shown of Christoffel van Swol is an example of an early 18th-century engraving, likely created to honor his service as a Governor-General of the Dutch East India ...

A head and shoulders frontal portrait of a man named by Cook as Mourua, of Mangaia, Cook Islands, visited by Cook in March 1777. Title: "Portrait of a Mangean Islander by John Webbe...

The image is an intricate hand-colored engraving showcasing a variety of lichen species. Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of fungi and algae living together. They are known f...

"Tropical Abundance: The Jackfruit and Palm Trees in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: This remarkable 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry illustrates the lush vegetation of India...

Antique costume print titled 'Gardeners Wife of Rotterdam'. Old costume print depicting a gardeners wife of Rotterdam. This print originates from 'The Costume of the Netherlands disp...

This original antique engraving depicts a collection of marine mollusks, which are a diverse group of invertebrates living mostly in aquatic habitats. These are likely depicted for t...

The engraving titled "Pantheon nunc vulgo la Rotunda" is attributed to the publishing efforts of Joan Blaeu and was part of a series published around the ea...

The illustration, an original hand-colored engraving, features a collection of shells and marine organisms, likely from various classes of the phylum Mollusca: 1. **Lingule anatine...

The engraving provided is titled "The Rejoicings of the Mexicans, at the beginning of the Age." It was included in Portlock’s "New Collection of Voyages and Travels," published in 17...

The engraving depicts a classical façade of a building, designed with a series of evenly spaced windows and arches on the ground floor, and rectangular windows on the upper floor. The architectural style is neoclassical, characterized by its symmetry, balanced proportions, and the use of classical elements such as pilasters and pediments. Atop the structure sits a central pediment supported by columns, flanked by statues. This could represent a public building or a grand palatial structure. The precise lines and attention to detail suggest that it was intended for scholarly study or as a record of architectural design. The labeling at the bottom, if any, could provide information on the building's location or the architect, but it's not visible in the image. The engraving is possible part of a series published around the early 18th century by Joan Blaeu, a renowned Dutch cartographer born in 1599 and who passed away in 1673. His works often featured detailed engravings of notable locations. This particular piece would have been published posthumously, as part of a collection that his heirs continued, which was later reissued by publishers like Pierre Mortier. The exact date of publication for this specific engraving is not provided in the information, but it would be within the timeframe of the early 1700s, given the dates of the reissues mentioned and the info behind the watermark that is visible if you hold the print to the light. The text appears in the paper is a historical note about the Honig family, prominent in the Dutch paper manufacturing industry during the 17th and 18th centuries. Jan Jbz. Honig (1688-1757), the white paper manufacturer from Zaandijk, was the son of paper manufacturer Jacob Cz. Honig(h) (1648-1709). Jan began his independent work in 1738 and continued until 1757. He was the younger brother of Cornelis Jbz. Honig (1683-1755), and together they started the company C & J HONIG in 1709. Following a division of the family business in 1738, Jan took over the mill 'De Vergulde Bijkorf' and also acquired the mill 'De Eendracht'. He was married to Trijntje Claes Caescoper (1689-1763) and operated with his son Jacob Jsz. Honig (1712-1780) under the name J(an) HONIG & ZOON. Around 1741, this firm produced Pro Patria paper featuring the emblem of the Hollandse Tuin as a watermark. By 1764, under the direction of his son Jacob, J. HONIG & ZOON supplied paper to the Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, using watermarks including the Amsterdam coat of arms...

Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive Latin text below the image. This 1601 e...

The engraving is from the Jean-François de Neufforge's collection "Recueil élémentaire d'architecture," which was an influential publication in the 18th century that detailed various...

Title: "Verdant Wonders: Exotic Trees and Spices of India in De Bry's 1601 Illustration" Description: This striking 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, titled "IDEA LANTOR, ASSA, PIM...

Antique print titled 'Vue et Description de Quelques-Uns des Principaux Forts des Hollandois dans les Indes'. Interesting sheet with seven detailed views illustrating the most import...

Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive latin text below the image. This 1601 e...

Antique botanical engraving of Amomum zinziber, better known as ginger. The engraving shows various parts of the ginger plant in a detaile...

An antique botanical engraving of the Acrostichum Aureum, also known as the Golden Leather Fern, though the text "Acrostic ecussonne" may ...

These hand-colored engravings are intricate botanical illustrations from the esteemed 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez, a comprehensi...

The images are finely detailed engravings of beetles from a 19th-century scientific collection. Each beetle is rendered with precision, showcasing their unique physical characteristics, such as the segmentation of their bodies, the texture of their carapaces, the patterns and colors of their wing covers (elytra), and the varying shapes and lengths of their antennae and legs. The species, as labeled in the engravings, are as follows: From the first image: 1. **Apidie** - Possibly a reference to the Apidae family, which includes bees, but in this context, it likely refers to a type of beetle. 2. **Attelabe** - Likely a variant of the name for beetles in the family Attelabidae, known as leaf-rolling beetles. 3. **Bousier** - Common French name for dung beetles, which are part of the Scarabaeidae family. 4. **Cétoine** - Refers to beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, known as flower beetles. 5. **Geotrupe** - A genus of earth-boring dung beetles. 6. **Hanneton** - Common French name for beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, particularly the June beetles or May bugs. 7. **Oryctes** - A genus that includes the rhinoceros beetles. 8. **Trichie** - Refers to beetles in the genus Trichius, which are often found in flowers and resemble small bumblebees. From the second image: 1. **Attelabe** - Again, likely referring to the Attelabidae family of leaf-rolling beetles. 2. **Calosoma** - A genus of ground beetles...