Fine Rare Prints

Information

This is a lovely antique stipple engraving of marine life by Pretre, a renowned French natural history artist of the 1800s. The quality of the stipple engraving is beautifully detailed, and it has original hand coloring

It is from an exceedingly rare set of natural history prints, Faune Francaise, which was collated by L.P Vieillot with the assistance of Professors Desmarest, Ducrotay and others. This was published in Paris in about 1819, and very few sets were issued.

Shell collecting was a popular eighteenth- and nineteenth-century pastime, as it was an era of exploration. Shells from exotic lands were eagerly sought to fill the curiosity cabinets considered indispensable in the well-appointed home.

Whilst shell collecting was popular, relatively few prints illustrating shells in color were ever produced. Considering that pictures of shells are popular to this day, it is no surprise that antique prints of shells are scarce, in great demand and likely to become even more valuable.

Date

Circa 1819

Print method

Stipple engraving with original hand coloring. The paper is slightly less bright white than appears in the above scan..

Condition

Good condition.

Size

Approximately 8.25 by inches(21 cm by 15cm).

How to order

Please note the order number for this print which is shown at the top of the page. Then click on the Order button at the top or the Order link at the bottom of this page.