18th Century Still-life Prints

Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: No.1:I; No. 2:1; II & III. MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation. Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...

This is a set of three framed 18th century engravings depicting statues found in the Vatican, including: "Pescatore" (Fisherman), "Pastore" (Shepherd) and "Istrione" (Actor), "Gia ne...

“Columbines Pl. 162” A Weinmann, Johann, Wilhelm Mezzotint Engraving With Some Hand Coloring from Johan Wilhelm Weinmann’s ( 1683-1741 ) Phytanthoza Iconographia, a comprehensive sci...

An image that originally appeared in an astrological calendar for the year 1766. Tokyo: Shuei-Sha, 1766. Woodblock print in colors printed on laid mulberry paper, 10 3/4 x 7 7/8 in...

This is a hand-colored copper-plate engraving entitled "Gelsiminum Catalonicum, Mairana Latifollia, Euphasiaramosa Pratensis Flore Albo, Euphasia Minus Ramosa Flore Excereruleo Purpurascente", depicting flowering Jasmine, Mountain Laurel...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Mespilus Aronia Azarolie B. Mespilus Vulgaris Neflier". It is plate 7...

Engraving on light weight laid paper with an small indiscernible, alphabetic watermark, 9 x 7 1/2 (230 x 188 mm); sheet 11 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches (284 x 215 mm), wide margins. In very go...

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (German, 1683-1741), Pair of Botanical Hand-Colored Engravings, 18th century, from the Phytanthoza Iconographia series, comprising: "Acanthus Mollis / Acanthu...

Eight 18th century-era fashion plates from the portfolio Modes, by Madeleine Connat. Paris: Paris Etching Society, 1951. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor on cream ...

Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: CI; CII; CIII & CIV. MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation. Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "Cereus Erectus Altissimo Surinamensis (Cereus Cactus Plant)". It is plate...

Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: JF Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: CXLI, CXLII, CXIII & CXLIV. MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation. Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Chamemelum Romanum flore simplici (Chamomile), Cincus Sativus (False saffron, Safflower), Chamaemelum Romanum Flore (Roman Chamomile)", depicting flowering Chamomile, Safflower and Roman Chamomile plants respectively from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper with wide margins. There are a few small spots and some irregularity of the lower edge. There is some bleed-through of text from the verso. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 22.25" high and 17.38" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...

Marvel of Peru Common, Mirabilis jalapa Plate 371 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches

Fig-marigold Showy, Mesembryanthem spectabile Plate 396 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches

This framed hand-colored stipple engraving entitled "Cactus Peruvianus Cierge du Pérou" by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Plate 58 from his illustrated publication 'Plantarum Historia Succulentarum ou Histoire des Plantes Grasses', published in Paris in 1799. It depicts a branching limb of a cactus with a beautiful flower. There is a separate detail of the anatomy of a seed with early growth. Redoute was a pioneer of the stipple engraving technique, which he used to create this image. It involves utilizing a series of small dots worked into a copper plate rather than the more common lines. These dots can be made smaller or thicker depending on the degree of opacity the artist intends for various areas of the print. When inked and applied to paper, this allows for a greater portion of the paper to be seen, which accentuates the appearance of luminosity of the subject the artist is creating. Different color inks are used in the printing process, a time consuming technique known as "a la poupee". The engraving is then finished with watercolor to further enhance the beauty and realism of the print subject. This engraving of a flowering cactus is presented in silver-colored ribbed wood frame and a double mat; cream-colored outer mat and heather green inner mat. The frame measures 21.25" high by 17.25" wide by 1.13" deep. The sheet measures 19.88" high by 14" wide. There are wide margins with a few short tears and chips along the the left, right and upper edges, which are all covered by the mat. There are small spots predominantly in the margins, with a few present in the image area. The print is otherwise in very good condition. There is another Redoute flowering cactus listed on 1stdibs, LU117326853392, which is framed and matted identically to this one. The pair would make an attractive display grouping. Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840), was a painter and botanist originally from Belgium, who pursued his extremely successful artistic career in France. He is well known for his watercolor paintings of roses, lilies and other flowers and their subsequent folio-sized, color stipple engravings. Some believe him to be the greatest botanical illustrator of all time. Redouté was a favorite of the French royal court at the time and of the post French...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving depicting flowering "Hyacinthus Comosus Spurius" (Hyacinth), "Hyacinthus Anglicus" (Blue Hyacinth), "Palma ...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "Caryophyllus Anglicus flore". It is plate 326 in Weinmann's monumental pu...

This striking hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving is entitled Malus domestica, Pomier, Apfelbaunt (Apple)". It is plate 704 in Johann Weinmann's monumental publicatio...

'Acarna Theophrasti' and 'Acer Campestre minus' Mezzotint printed in colours. Circa 1740. From Johann W Weinmann's Phytanthoza Iconographia, published in Regensburg 1737-45. The fi...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "Stramonia Aegyptiaca foetida semine pallido flore albo duplici triplicive...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Esula seu Tithyinalus Africanus SpinosusCera Effigie, B. Esula seu Ti...

This is a hand-colored stipple engraving entitled "Cactus Opuntia Polyanthos, Cierge Raquette Multiflore" (Prickly Pear Cactus) by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Plate 59 from his illustrated publication 'Plantarum Historia Succulentarum ou Histoire des Plantes Grasses', published in Paris in 1799. Redoute was a pioneer of the stipple engraving technique, which he used to create this image. It involves utilizing a series of small dots worked into a copper plate rather than the more common lines. These dots can be made smaller or thicker depending on the degree of opacity the artist intends for various areas of the print. When inked and applied to paper, this allows for a greater portion of the paper to be seen, which accentuates the appearance of luminosity of the subject the artist is creating. Different color inks are used in the printing process, a time consuming technique known as "a la poupee". The engraving is then finished with watercolor to further enhance the beauty and realism of the print subject. This engraving of a flowering cactus is presented in a double mat; white outer mat and heather green inner mat.The mat measures 20" x 16" and the sheet measures 19.5" x 13.38". There are wide margins with a few short tears and chips along the the right and upper edges, which are all covered by the mat. There are small spots predominantly in the margins, but a few are present in the image area, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. There is another Redoute flowering cactus listed on 1stdibs, LU117326854582. The pair would make an attractive display grouping. Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840), was a painter and botanist originally from Belgium, who pursued his extremely successful artistic career in France. He is well known for his watercolor paintings of roses, lilies and other flowers and their subsequent folio-sized, color stipple engravings. Some believe him to be the greatest botanical illustrator of all time. Redouté was a favorite of the French royal court at the time and of the post French...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Convolvulus Major Folio Subrotundo Purpureg Albo, B. Convolvulus Major...

This colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving finished with hand coloring by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled a. Thyrsus asparagi. b. Asparagus, Asperge. c. Aspa...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "a. Pisum Minus sine Putamine, b. Pisa Indicum". It is plate 819 in Weinma...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving depicting flowering "Hyosciamus albus and Hyosciamus vulgaris" (Henbane) plants from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensi...

Corn-flag Copper coloured, Gladiolus securiger Plate 383 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches

This is a striking original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line double page engraving of banana plants, which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Banana 1. Musa,...

A hand-colored copper plate engraving depicting flowering "Melocactos" (Turk's Cap Cactus or Mother-in-law's Cushion), "Rosa Hiericontea aperta" (Rose of Jericho Unfolded), "Rosa Hie...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Amaranthus Tricolor", depicting a flowering Amaranthus Tricolor plant from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. Amaranthus tricolor, known as edible amaranth, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Amaranthus. The plant is often cultivated for ornamental and culinary purposes. Cultivars have a striking yellow, red, and green foliage. It is known as Joseph's coat in some areas, after the biblical figure Joseph, who is said to have worn a coat of many colors. Amaranthus tricolor is one of several species of amaranth cultivated in warm regions across the world. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper with very wide margins. There is a short crease in the upper right corner, mild irregularity of the left, right and lower edges and some bleed-through of text from the verso. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 22.13" high and 17.13" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...

A beautiful and important 18th century hand colored copperplate engraving of lillies which was most likely designed by Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770) and engraved by Johann Michae...

This is an early 18th century hand-colored copperplate engraving of lemons by Johann Christoph Volkhamer entitled "Cedro a Ditela o Multiforme" from his publication "Nurmbergische He...

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Baccharis (Baccharises); Chrysocoma (Golden Bitter Bush)" (Syngenesie; Polygamie, Plate 698) Portfolio: His...

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Abolboda; Elodea (Waterweeds); Lepidosperma (Hoary Rapier-Sedge)" (Triandrie Monogynie, Plate 905) Portfoli...

"The Fern Gatherers" After a painting by George Morland. 1763-1804. - Mezzotint engraving by John Raphael Smith. 1752-1812. Print: 20.75" x 26" - With Frame: 28" x 33.5" Published:...

"The Country Stable" After a painting by George Morland. 1763-1804. - Mezzotint engraving by William Ward. 1766-1826. Print: 20.75" x 26" - With Frame: 28.5" x 34" Published: March...

Still Life from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Giacomo Casanova in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions. The etching belongs to ...

[ Bird of Paradise] La Pie de paradise, vue par derriere , No.21, Paris 1801-1806 [Astrapia nigra]. Color-printed engraving with hand-coloring. French botanical and zoological illustrator Jacques Barraband (1767-1809) was known as one of the finest ornithological artists of his time .He is best known for his watercolors and engravings that were commissioned by François LeVaillant, French explorer, naturalist, zoological collector , noted ornithologist and author. Levaillant’s Histoire naturelle des perroquets (1801-05) and his Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis (Birds of Paradise, 1801-06), both of which Barraband contributed to, are still considered some of the most beautiful bird books of all times because of their exceptional scientific accuracy, rich color and detail. The Astrapia nigra is a Bird of Paradise that inhabits the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua...

Oil Lamp is an Etching realized by Niccolò Vanni (1750-1770). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original tit...

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann Ananus Sclvestris ( Pineapple ) N. 110 mezzotint engraving with hand coloring paper size 15.50 x 9.50 image size 13 x 8.25 Ananus Sclvestris ( Pineapple ) N....

Cupid In Pompeian Fresco from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Filippo De Grado in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions with some f...

From the Piranesi's series “Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi disegnati ed incisi dal cav. Gio. Batt. Piranesi pubblicati l’anno MDCCLXXIIX” (1778). Antiche urne cinerarie e lampade" is an artist proof, printed on contemporary laid paper, large margins, representing antique marble cinerary urns - “found into antique graves...

Still Life Fresco from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Vincenzo Campana in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions with slight foldin...

Oil Lamp from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Iacomino e Nicola Vanni in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions with some folding. ...

Roman Style Still Life from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Carlo Oraty in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions and aged with some...

Oil Lamp is an Etching realized by Giovanni Battista Casanova (1735-1810). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichit...

Still Life from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an etching on paper realized by Carlo Cataneo in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions. The etching be...

Oil Lamp to Hang is an Etching realized by Filippo de Grado (1705-1780). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antichità ...

Still Life from "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an etching on paper realized by Filippo de Grado e Vincenzo Campana in the 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good conditions with s...

Milk-vetch Montpelier, Astragalus monspessulanus Plate 375 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches

Ancient Roman Still Life, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Carlo Oraty in the 18th century. Signed on the plate. Good condi...

Well-knowned as an architect and an archaeologist, undoubtedly Giovanni Battista Piranesi, is the most important engraver of the 18th century: the leading artist in this field in the...

Three plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: XLVIII; XLIX & L. MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation. Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...

Vervain Three-leaved, Verbena triphylla Plate 367 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Mimufops (Mimusops); Ibricaria (Shingle Oak)" (Octandreie, Monogynie, Plate 300) Portfolio: Histoire Nature...

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Picris (Sunflower); Helmintia (Bristly Oxtongue)" (Syngenesie; Polygamie, Plate 648) Portfolio: Histoire Na...

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Quivisia; Portesia" (Octandreie, Monogynie, Plate 302) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Year: 1749-1789 Medium...

Artist: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (French, 1707-1788) Title: "Euphorbia (Spurge)" (Dodecandrie, Trigynie, Plate 411) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Year: 1749-1789 Medium...

Epidendrum Aloe-leaved, Epdendrum aloides Plate 387 1797 Hand-colored etching Ed. 1st ed. 9 x 5.25 inches