18th Century Prints

Set of Six Exquisite Sea Life Engravings by Maria Sybilla Merian, Circa 1800 – From G.E. Rumphius, Amsterdam A remarkable and rare set of six sea life engravings, meticulously etche...

Remarkable Ruins of Sabua, Nubia – Norden Engraving 1755 Description: Depicting the ruins of Sabua in Nubia, this plate documents temple remains along the riverbank, combining archa...

John Nieuhoff Exotic Fish Prints Set of Five Hand-Colored Engravings c1704 This rare and attractive group of five hand-colored engravings depicts a diverse selection of exotic marin...

Antique print titled 'S. Nilus a D.N.I.C. Crucifixo ipsi apparente benedictur, et ab impuris tenta tionibus prorsus liberatur'. Scarce plate showing Saint Nilus, kneeling in prayer; in front of him a crucifix; Christ comes alive. This print originates from 'Picturae Dominici Zampierii, vulgo Domenichino, quae extant in sacello sacrae aedi Cryptoferratensi adjuncto tabulis aeneis incisae' published 1762. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'F. Bartolozzi' after 'Domenico Zampieri'. Francesco Bartolozzi...

Pair of Antique Engravings of Marine Plants and Cactus Forms from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770 A pair of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s ...

Military Procession with Spoils of War After Gerard de Lairesse Rossetti c1700 A large early 18th-century etching and engraving by Domenico Rossetti, after a composition by the cele...

Antique engraving of Harlech Castle, Merionethshire, published by Alexander Hogg, c.1785–1795 This antique engraving depicts Harlech Castle in Merionethshire (today Gwynedd), one of...

Antiquities of Luxor (Ancient Thebes), Norden Egypt Engraving, 1755 Description This powerful engraving depicts the monumental antiquities of Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, one ...

Villages of Mennahud Manjelmusa with Pyramids, Norden, 1755 Description This engraving presents a rare and atmospheric view of the villages of Mennahud and Manjelmusa, with th...

Set of two architecture prints depicting various ornaments. These prints originate from 'Recueil Élémentaire d’Architecture' by Jean-Francois de Neufforge. A comprehensive series of ...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe kaart van Choromandel ende Malabar.' Original antique map of Southern India documenting the VOC's areas of influence. Included is Kerala, Tamil Nadu...

Monumental Classical Relief Scene, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained Engraving, 1721 Description This impressive and richly scaled engraving originates from the landmark antiquarian wo...

Roman Statues and Coins, Composite Antiquities Plate with Center Fold, 1721 Description: This large and visually rich engraving is a composite antiquarian study plate from the first...

Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...

Roman Chariot Relief and Imperial Allegories – Montfaucon Engraving, 1721 DESCRIPTION Large classical engraving illustrating Roman relief sculpture with chariot imagery and imperial...

Neptune / Poseidon Sculptures and Coins – Roman Antiquity Engraving, 1721 This finely engraved plate presents a scholarly survey of classical repre...

Double Bacchic Frieze, Classical Mythological Relief – Montfaucon Engraving 1721 DESCRIPTION Large and highly decorative engraving depicting a double horizontal mythological frieze after ancient Roman relief sculpture. The upper register shows a continuous Bacchic procession populated by nude and semi-draped figures, putti, and ritual scenes associated with Dionysian celebration and abundance. The figures are arranged in a calm yet rhythmic sequence, creating a strong sense of architectural balance and movement. The lower register presents a complementary arrangement of sculptural figures, statues, and symbolic elements, reinforcing the plate’s character as a scholarly reconstruction of antique relief...

Roman Sculptures and Portrait Heads, Composite Antiquities Plate, Montfaucon 1721 Description: This finely engraved composite plate originates from the first English edition of Bern...

A map of the Russian Empire in Europe by Von Reilly. Published in Vienna, 1796. 32 inches wide by 24 ½ inches tall

Title: Débarquement des Troupes Angloises à Nouvelle Yorck – Vue d’Optique by J. Chereau, ca. 1776 This hand-colored copperplate engraving titled “Débarquement des Troupes Angloises...

Indians of North America, Dress and Weapons – Millar Geography Engraving, c.1782 This detailed 18th-century copper engraving illustrates the dress, customs, and weapons of Indigenou...

Sandwich Islands Masked Man – Hawaiian Portrait, Captain Cook Voyage Engraving, c.1777 This striking ethnographic portrait depicts a masked man from the Sandwich Islands (present-da...

French Revolutionary Infantry – Uniforms, Drummers and Standards, c.1795 This rare and finely hand-colored military print illustrates French Revolutionary infantry uniforms and equi...

Nicely framed in gold with matting. Two images darker than others but all came together and work together.

Niagara Falls, Cataracte de Niagara – Early French Engraved View, c.1780 This elegant 18th-century engraved view depicts Niagara Falls, presented under the French title Cataracte de...

Virgin Islands Natives – Early American Ethnographic Engraving, c.1700 This rare early ethnographic engraving depicts two indigenous figures identified as inhabitants of the Virgin ...

California Indigenous Dress and Fishing Rafts – Early Ethnographic Engraving, c.1754 This finely engraved ethnographic scene depicts the dress and daily life of the Indigenous inhab...

Antique print titled 'Phare de l'Egypte'. A vue d'optique of the lighthouse of Alexandria. Also called Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous...

Antique print titled 'Eauweck Capitale du Camboye'. View of Longvek (or Lavek), capital of Cambodia. This print originates from 'Histoire générale des voyages, ou nouvelle collection...

Optical View of New York City, Manhattan Harbor - Hand-Colored and Published in Augsburg ca.1775 Description: This striking hand-colored vue d’optique depicts an animated harbor sce...

A Dance at Ulietea – Society Islands Scene from Cook’s Voyages, c.1784 This finely hand-colored copper engraving titled A Dance at Ulietea, one of the Society Islands in the South S...

Portrait of Pieter Schrijver – Mennonite Preacher, Engraving by Jacob Folkema, 1739 This finely detailed 18th-century portrait depicts Pieter Schrijver (1663–1706), a prominent Dutc...

Antique Bactrian Camel Engraving, Buffon Hand-Coloured Print Amsterdam 1769 Description: This beautifully hand-coloured 18th-century engraving of the Bactrian camel, titled Le Chame...

This print is from 'The Military Costume of Turkey. Illustrated by A Series of Engravings. From Drawings made on the Spot. Dedicated by Permission to His Excellency the Minister of the Ottoman Porte to his Britannic Majesty.' London, Published by Thomas M'Lean, Haymarket, (1818). Folio. One of 29 fine handcoloured aquatint plates . Very light offsetting from plates. The original accompanying text of this print is as follows: 'The Spahis, who constitute the principal part of the mounted force of the empire, are chiefly raised in the Asiatic provinces: they are excellent horsemen, and are variously equipped, but in general, the lance is their principal weapon, in the use of which they are very expert: they are divided into sixteen legions, and in the early ages of the Ottoman empire, prior to the institution of the Janizaries, they were considered as its principal strength. The Turkish horses...

Mexican Penitence and Human Sacrifice – 1734 Engraving of Aztec Religious Rites Description: This dramatic 1734 copperplate engraving illustrates two imagined rituals from ancient M...

Title: Camp of Israel and the Ceremony of the Red Heifer – Hand-Colored Optical Print, ca. 1770 This vivid hand-colored copperplate engraving titled “Vue du Camp d’Israel et de la C...

Pair of Antique Engravings of Starfish and Marine Echinoderms from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770 A fine pair of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alemb...

View of the Cours in Marseille – 18th Century Hand-Colored Engraving by Daumont, Paris Description: This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled “Vue du Cours de Marseilles,” was pub...

Antique map titled 'Die Cocos Insel vom Capt. Wallis Bosawren. Die Verrather Islel von Capt. Wallis Keppel Genannt'. Also with French subtitles. Old map of the Cocos or Keeling Islan...

Set of 3 Antique Quadruped Anatomy Engravings, Buffon Scientific Plates 1769 This fascinating set of three 18th-century anatomical engravings comes from the rare Dutch edition of Bu...

Battle of Augsburg 1703 – Bavarian Succession War, Rugendas Engraving Description: This large and finely executed engraving depicts the dramatic assault on Augsburg in 1703, during ...

Statio I – Christ Condemned to Death, Antique Mezzotint – Johann Elias Haid, Augsburg This dramatic devotional print represents Statio I from the Stations of the Cross: Christ being...

Suite of 5 framed engravings recounting episodes from the Aeneid, journey of the hero Aeneas after the fall of Troy, according to Virgil * "Ecce trahunt manibus victum post terga si...

Engraving by Jacques Grasset de Saint Sauveur. Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (1757-1810) was a draftsman. This print dates from 1798. Print engraved in black manner and colored. E...

Original hand-colored antique bird print showing an American Kingfisher from the book "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751) by George Edwards. This hand-colored engraving showcases the bird perched on a branch, holding a fish in its beak. The kingfisher is characterized by its distinctive plumage, with a slate-blue back and wings, a speckled tail, and a prominent crest on its head. Its body is white underneath with some pinkish hues near the breast. The bird's sharp beak is shown spearing a fish, emphasizing its hunting prowess. The surrounding environment includes a simple background with water and vegetation, highlighting the bird's natural habitat. This illustration is part of an increasingly rare and treasured collection of natural history artwork from the 18th century. George Edwards (1694–1773) was an English naturalist and ornithologist who is often referred to as the "father of British ornithology." His most famous work, "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751), and its continuation "Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764), contain detailed illustrations and descriptions of many bird species, many of which were little known or newly discovered at the time. Edwards' work is highly regarded for its accuracy, artistry, and contribution to the field of ornithology. About George Edwards: 1. **Early Life and Career**: - Born in Stratford, Essex, Edwards was apprenticed to a tradesman in London. However, he developed an interest in natural history and began studying birds, insects, and other animals. - He spent some time traveling in Europe, studying various collections of natural history specimens. 2. **Publications**: - **"A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751)**: This work is a collection of 210 hand-colored engravings of birds. It is known for its meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in depicting bird species. - **"Gleanings of Natural History" (1758-1764)**: This series continued the work started in "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and included additional birds as well as other animals. - His publications also included detailed observations and descriptions, making them valuable not only for their artistic merit but also for their scientific content. 3. **Artistic and Scientific Contributions**: - Edwards was known for his ability to combine artistic skill with scientific precision. His illustrations often depicted birds in lifelike poses and settings, showing their natural behaviors. - He collaborated with and was influenced by other naturalists and illustrators of his time, such as Carl Linnaeus and Mark Catesby. - Edwards' works were used by Linnaeus in the development of his system of taxonomy. 4. **Legacy**: - George Edwards' contributions to ornithology and natural history have had a lasting impact. His detailed and accurate illustrations helped to advance the study of birds and influenced subsequent generations of naturalists and artists. - His books remain highly prized by collectors and are considered important historical documents in the field of natural history. ### "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and Its Importance: - **Illustrations**: Each illustration in Edwards' work was carefully hand-colored, and the engravings were often accompanied by descriptive text that included observations about the birds' habitats, behaviors, and physical characteristics. - **Scientific Accuracy**: Edwards took great care to ensure the accuracy of his depictions, often working from specimens he had observed firsthand. - **Influence**: The work was well-received in its time and remains a significant reference for ornithologists and historians. It contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of bird species from around the world. Overall, George Edwards' work represents a critical intersection of art and science during the Enlightenment period, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world while contributing to the scientific knowledge of his time. ------------- The bird depicted is a Belted Kingfisher...

Large Antique Classical Relief Scene – Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, 1721 Description: This decorative copper engraving originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental antiquar...

Set of 3 Antique Putti & Cupid Engravings, Montfaucon Antiquity Explained 1721 This refined set of three copper engravings originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s foundational antiq...

Title: St. Thomas Apostle Engraving – John XX Doubting Thomas c.1735 Description: This detailed antique engraving titled “St. Thomas the Apostle” depicts Thomas, also known as “Doub...

Elegant 1769 Morvant Ram Engraving – Hand-Coloured Buffon Dutch Edition This impressive hand-coloured 18th-century engraving of the Morvant ram, titled Le Morvant, comes from the rare Dutch edition of Buffon’s monumental Histoire Naturelle, published in Amsterdam by J.H. Schneider in 1769. Appearing as Plate XXX in Tome XI, this striking portrait is one of the most distinctive and decorative sheep and goat engravings in the entire Buffon series. Drawn by Jacques de Sève, Buffon’s leading illustrator, and engraved with great refinement, the plate combines scientific accuracy with a strong visual presence, typical of the finest work in the quadruped volumes. The Morvant ram stands in full profile on a raised foreground bank, its powerful build, muscular legs, and long shaggy coat rendered with exquisite detail. De Sève’s elegant cross-hatching gives volume and texture to the thick wool and the dark mane that drapes down the animal’s chest. The curved horns, expressive eye, and firm stance emphasise both the strength and the calm dignity of the breed. The hand colouring, characteristic of the Amsterdam Schneider edition, enriches the engraving with warm brown tones, natural greens, and soft blues that bring the entire composition to life. Behind the ram, a landscape of minarets, domed buildings, and distant walls evokes the North African or Near Eastern setting associated with ancient regional breeds. The broad sky, shaded in subtle blue-grey washes, anchors the scene and provides an atmospheric backdrop that complements the earthy foreground tones. As a result, the plate balances scientific illustration and picturesque landscape in a way that remains highly desirable for collectors and decorators alike. Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle represented one of the most ambitious publishing achievements of the Enlightenment, combining zoological study with an artistic sensibility. The Morvant ram, a robust and historically important breed, was of particular interest for its adaptability, distinctive appearance, and long-standing role in agriculture and local culture. This engraving served as one of the earliest widely circulated visual records of the breed in Western Europe. More than 250 years old, this sheet remains bright, clean, and visually engaging. The strong plate mark, generous margins, and refined hand colouring make it an excellent standalone artwork or a perfect companion to related Buffon plates such as the Tunis ram, zebu, buffalo, or yak. Condition report: Very good for age. Minor toning and small foxing marks mostly confined to margins. Light handling marks typical of 18th-century paper. Strong impression with clearly visible plate mark. Hand colouring fresh and well preserved. No tears or repairs observed. Framing tips: Frame with an ivory, pale grey, or warm cream mat to complement the soft colouring of the wool and sky. A walnut or natural oak frame enhances the warm tones, while a slim black frame creates a more modern contrast. Floating the sheet is an excellent option to highlight the wide margins and plate mark. Keywords: Morvant ram engraving Buffon natural history Amsterdam 1769 Jacques de Sève hand coloured copper engraving antique sheep print...

"Metamorphosis of Surinamese Insects by Merian" This exquisite original engraving is Plate 32 from Maria Sibylla Merian's seminal work, "Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium...

English antique coloured etching, part of a series published in 1705 by T.Macklin, taken from paintings by John de Laporte. With a simple briar frame, but finished with the Florentine paper from Il...

Antique Hand Colored Print of European Notable c 1800's in Original Octagonal Frame with Printed Round Mat, Italian. 11" x 11" x 1" h 

Pair of Antique Botanical Engravings, Tournefort & Linnæus Systems, ca. 1770 A rare pair of original copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s monument...

Grand Roman Relief Engravings after Antique Sculpture – Montfaucon 1721 This refined pair of early 18th-century Roman relief engravings offers a balanced combination of classical su...

Monumental Classical Frieze – Montfaucon Antiquity Explained, London 1721 This striking and unusually large copper engraving comes from Bernard de Montfaucon’s landmark archaeologic...

Title: Antique Hand-Colored Pigeon Engraving – George Edwards / Seligmann ca. 1770 Description: This finely hand-colored bird engraving depicts a pigeon species and was originally i...

Wonderful image of classical Roman masks Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  

American Mid-Century black framed print of two 18th Century soldiers in green uniform with on standing on a horse.\"Moylans Light Dragoons\" (similar to: NWL7295A, NWL7295C, NWL7295D)

This engraving, titled "Habits of the Hottentot Men & Women" and "Perspective View of the Cape of Good Hope," is a fine example of 18th-century European visual representations of dis...

Antique print titled 'De Burgt te Leiden'. View of the Leiden Castle (or Burcht van Leiden), an old shell keep in Leiden constructed in the 11th century. Pu...