Bertuch, Three Exotic Tropical Fish, c.1800, Engraving

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Original antique print of three exotic tropical fish by bertuch, c. 1800 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three spectacular … Read more Original antique print of three exotic tropical fish by bertuch, c. 1800 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three spectacular exotic fish, published in friedrich justin bertuch’s celebrated “bilderbuch für kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century. The plate is titled “fische xxv / pisces xxv / poissons xxv” and presents three individually numbered fish remarkable for their unusual forms, elaborate fins and vivid coloration. Fig. 1 depicts a compact fish with strongly patterned scales and a dramatically elongated dorsal fin. Its restrained brown, ochre and black coloring contrasts with the more flamboyant species below. Fig. 2 shows an elongated spotted fish with delicate pink fins and exceptionally long fin rays. Its streamlined body and unusual fin structure reflect the extraordinary variety of tropical marine species being introduced to european natural-history audiences during this period. Fig. 3 dominates the lower half of the composition. This spectacular tropical fish has a brilliant yellow and orange head and body contrasted against an exceptionally large dark central area. Long red, yellow and black fins extend dramatically from the body and terminate in an elegant lyre-shaped tail. The strong geometric coloration and exaggerated fin structures make this one of the more decorative fish plates from bertuch’s natural-history series. The engraving is beautifully enhanced with original hand coloring in yellow, orange, red, pink, brown and black. The relatively spacious composition allows each of the three fish to stand out individually against the pale paper. The plate is marked “v.b.35” at lower right. Friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) was a german publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “bilderbuch für kinder” (picture book for children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of finely engraved and hand-colored plates covering zoology, botany, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects. A particularly attractive early ichthyological engraving, suitable for a natural-history collection as well as a coastal, tropical or contemporary interior. Creator: friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) source: bilderbuch für kinder plate: fische xxv / pisces xxv / poissons xxv reference: v.b.35 subject: three exotic tropical fish place of publication: weimar, germany date of manufacture: circa 1800 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. General age-related toning with scattered minor spotting and marks. Some marginal wear and edge irregularities, including a small loss/irregularity along the right edge. Original hand coloring remains particularly strong and attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition. Please note: this is an original antique print from around 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Other companion fish and natural-history plates from bertuch’s “bilderbuch für kinder” are also available separately. Keywords: antique fish print, tropical fish print, exotic fish, colorful fish engraving, marine life print, ichthyology print, tropical marine fish, antique natural history, ocean decor, coastal wall art, hand colored engraving, bertuch print, friedrich justin bertuch, scientific illustration, marine zoology, circa 1800 See less