Alcyonium Soft Corals

38.5 x 21.5cm (11.2 x 8.5 inches)

This is an antique copper plate engraving of corals and corallines. It is from John Ellis's 'A Natural History of Many Uncommon and Curious Zoophytes', published in 1786 posthumously by his daughter with help from Daniel Solander and Sir Joseph Banks.

This work established the animal nature of coral and corallines. Ellis was described by Linnaeus as one of the brightest stars of natural history.

The engraving is hand coloured and is on chain lined paper with strong plate marks. The paper has a lovely aged, creamy white patina and is in excellent condition.