Sowerby, Shell Lithographs Unio Hand-Colored Plates, 1800s, Paper, Framed, Set of 2

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Antique shell lithographs “unio” – hand-colored plates by sowerby, 1860s a pair of beautifully detailed 19th-century hand-colored lithographs depicting various … Read more Antique shell lithographs “unio” – hand-colored plates by sowerby, 1860s a pair of beautifully detailed 19th-century hand-colored lithographs depicting various species of freshwater mussels from the genus unio. Each plate, titled unio pl. Ii and unio pl. X, was drawn and lithographed by george brettingham sowerby ii and printed by vincent brooks in london. These natural history illustrations were produced circa 1860 for one of sowerby’s conchological works, likely thesaurus conchyliorum or a related shell monograph. Sowerby’s works are renowned for their scientific precision combined with artistic subtlety, capturing the unique colors and surface textures of each specimen. The lithographs feature careful gradations of brown, olive, and grey tones, highlighting the iridescence of the shells. The plates are printed on fine wove paper with generous margins and retain their original hand-coloring. The unio genus, part of the freshwater mussel family unionidae, was of great interest to 19th-century naturalists for its ecological and morphological variety. These plates represent some of the finest early depictions of british and european freshwater mollusks. Condition: very good impression and color retention. Minor age toning and light edge wear, otherwise very clean and well preserved. Framing tips: display together in matching walnut or gilt frames with ivory mats to emphasize their natural tones and classical scientific charm. Technique: hand-colored lithograph on wove paper maker: g.b. Sowerby ii, london, circa 1842 printer: vincent brooks, london See less