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18th century Engravings of Fish by Marcus Bloch- A Pair
$2,500
£1,894.71
€2,173.07
CA$3,492.97
A$3,810.65
CHF 2,021.09
MX$45,909.69
NOK 25,651.55
SEK 23,484.69
DKK 16,229.62
About the Item
"Ichthyological Masterpieces": Pair of Marcus Bloch Hand-Colored Fish Engravings
Circa 1780
A fine pair of 18th-century hand-colored copperplate engravings by the renowned German ichthyologist and physician Marcus Elieser Bloch (1723–1799).
Dating to circa 1780, these prints originate from Bloch’s monumental work, Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische (General Natural History of Fishes), considered one of the most beautiful and scientifically important natural history surveys ever produced. The pair features:
Left: A vibrant specimen (likely of the Lutjanus or Snapper family) rendered with purple-blue scales and striking yellow dorsal fins.
Right: A silver-scaled freshwater fish (of the Cyprinus or Carp family) with dark fins.
Both specimens are depicted in profile with exceptional precision, accompanied by small anatomical diagrams (such as cross-sections) typical of Bloch’s scientific rigor. The prints are presented in highly decorative custom frames featuring wide borders adorned with a collage of seashells, coral branches, and marine motifs against a blue ground, enhancing their decorative appeal.
Measurements:
Height: 13 3/4 inches (34.9 cm)
Width: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
Historical Context:
Marcus Elieser Bloch was a Jewish physician in Berlin who turned to the study of fish at the age of 47, reportedly after being unable to find a scientific description for a specific type of salmon he was served. This curiosity led to the publication of his 12-volume masterpiece between 1782 and 1795. Bloch's plates are celebrated not just for their accuracy, but for their artistic quality; he often used silver and gold leaf in the hand-coloring process to mimic the metallic sheen of fish scales, a technique that gives his prints a unique, shimmering depth.
Literature:
From Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische (Berlin, 1782–1795).
Reference: American Museum of Natural History (History of Ichthyology).
(Ref: ny7381-ucc)
- Creator:Marcus Elieser Bloch (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 13.75 in (34.93 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Style:Georgian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1780
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Great Condition.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: ny7381-uccx1stDibs: LU861010039461
About the Seller
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