Volute & Murex Shells | Original Hand-Colored Shell Engraving – Captain Thomas Brown, Plate VI | C. 1840

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An original antique hand-colored copper engraving from Captain Thomas Brown's Illustrations of the Land and Fresh Water Conchology of Great … Read more An original antique hand-colored copper engraving from Captain Thomas Brown's Illustrations of the Land and Fresh Water Conchology of Great Britain and Ireland, one of the classic natural history books of the 19th century.

This plate appears to depict a variety of marine gastropods (sea snails), rather than a single species. Center (largest shell): a Volute (Voluta or Melo species). Lower: Murex / Rock shells (family Muricidae), recognizable by their heavy sculpture and pronounced varices (ridges). Left and right middle: Fusus / Spindle shells (historically Fusus, now largely Fusinus), with elongated spires and long siphonal canals.&. Top row (small shells): A mixture of dove & whelk shell species.

Captain Thomas Brown (1785–1862) was a respected Scottish naturalist and conchologist who belonged to several leading scientific societies, including the Royal Physical Society and the Wernerian Natural History Society. His beautifully illustrated works remain highly sought after by collectors for both their scientific importance and decorative appeal.

In excellent condition. Unframed. Dimensions: 10 x 13”.

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