Bertuch, Four Exotic Snakes, 1802, Engraving

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Original antique print of four exotic snakes by bertuch, 1802 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four exotic species of … Read more Original antique print of four exotic snakes by bertuch, 1802 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four exotic species of snakes, published in friedrich justin bertuch’s celebrated “bilderbuch für kinder” in weimar in 1802. The plate is titled “amphibien xviii / amphibies xviii” and depicts four beautifully patterned snakes arranged in two intertwined groups. Bertuch identifies them as the argus-natter, karmoisin-natter (crimson snake), porphyr-natter (porphyry snake) and geäugelte natter (ocellated or eyed snake). Particularly striking is the elaborate coloration of the snakes, with combinations of black, red, ochre, cream and green. Their intertwined arrangement gives the plate an unusually strong decorative quality compared with many conventional zoological illustrations of the period. The plate bears the engraved signature “jacob h. Schmuzer” at lower left. Friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) was a german publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “bilderbuch für kinder” was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of its period, covering natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes and numerous other subjects. Creator: friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) engraver: jacob h. Schmuzer source: bilderbuch für kinder plate: amphibien xviii / amphibies xviii place of publication: weimar, germany date of manufacture: 1802 period: early 19th century style: neoclassical – in the period of medium: original hand-colored copper engraving on paper condition: good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive. Please note: this is an original antique print from 1802, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Keywords: antique snake print, antique serpent print, snake engraving, serpent engraving, exotic snakes, reptile print, bertuch print, friedrich justin bertuch, jacob schmuzer, natural history print, zoological engraving, hand colored engraving, herpetology print, scientific illustration, antique animal print, 1802 engraving See less