Sea Splendor: A Tapestry of Marine Life in the Mid-19th Century, 1845

A collage of two original antique prints from the "Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle," published in 1849. Description: This exquisite collage presents a selection of marine invertebrates, or zoophytes, from the celebrated "Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle". These detailed illustrations depict the intricate beauty and diversity of coral-like organisms, showcasing the scientific and artistic achievements of the 19th century. The delicate hand-coloring highlights the natural elegance of these sea creatures, making the prints both a scientific document and a piece of art. The species depicted in the prints from the "Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle," published in 1849, are as follows: **First Print:** 1. **Veretillum cynomorium** - Commonly known as the "sea pen," this species resembles a quill pen, hence the name. It's a type of soft coral in the order Pennatulacea. 2. **Actinia equina** - This is the common sea anemone, often found on rocky shores. 2.2 **Actinia equina (contracted)** - The same species, shown in a contracted state, which sea anemones can do when disturbed or when they are conserving moisture during low tide. **Second Print:** 1. **Flustra foliacea** - Also known as the "hornwrack," a type of bryozoan, which is a colonial organism...

These original hand-colored antique engravings by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez offer a captivating glimpse into the world of marine life. Created with intricate detail and vibrant c...

Print depicting a schooner, no. 1 of 400 copies signed Z21, made in the mid-19th century. Non-coeval briarwood frame; measures with frame 50 x 40 cm.  

A 19th century steel plate engraving depicting the Banishment of Cleombrotus after the original by Benjamin West oil on canvas painting executed in 1768 and held at the Tate Gallery. The engraving is presented with beige matting and a gilded wooden frame. Benjamin West showed this painting at the second exhibition of the newly formed Royal Academy. After several years in Italy, West had established himself in London as the leading painter of subjects from classical history...