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Fine Art. Antique Prints, Maps and Drawings / 06-09-2025, 18:00 CET

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This woodcut, from Conrad Gesner's monumental work Historiae animalium, is a folio page featuring two illustrations. The upper image depicts an elephant carrying a howdah, while the lower, more prominent illustration is of an armored rhinoceros. This iconic image is a copy of Albrecht Dürer's famous 1515 woodcut, which was based on a sketch and not a direct observation of the animal. The print serves as a key example of the chain of knowledge transmission in 16th-century natural history, where scientific study was often based on the works of others, blending observed fact with artistic interpretation and rumor. Conrad Gesner was a Swiss naturalist, bibliographer, and philologist, often referred to as the father of modern scientific bibliography. His most celebrated work is Historiae animalium, a five-volume encyclopedia that is considered the foundation of modern zoology. Published between 1551 and 1558, it was a comprehensive effort to describe all known animals, drawing on both classical texts and new observations from around the world. Artist or Maker: Conrad Gesner&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 30 x 20 cm&nbsp; Medium: Woodcut&nbsp; Date: 1563 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Conrad Gesner (1516–1565) – Illustrations of an Elephant and an Armored Rhinoceros – Woodcut (1563)

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This engraving from Jacob Cats's Dutch emblem book depicts an old man in a long robe winding a large clock. A young woman peeks down at him from a balcony above. The title, "EERLICKE VRYAGIE" (Honest Courtship), and the accompanying French motto, "Vieille maiſon reparer, Eſt touſiours a recommencer" (To repair an old house, is always to begin again), convey a moral lesson about the difficulty of maintaining old things, a metaphor for the troubles of courting a much older man or woman. The print is a classic example of 17th-century Dutch moralizing art. Jacob Cats was a prominent Dutch poet, jurist, and politician, a figure of great influence during the Dutch Golden Age. His moralistic emblem books, filled with allegorical stories and illustrations, were immensely popular and provided moral guidance to the Dutch public. His work is noted for its accessibility and has been a cornerstone of Dutch literature. Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1618 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – To Keep a Clock – Engraving (1618)

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This engraving from Jacob Cats's Dutch emblem book depicts a large, disembodied hand delicately reaching for a single grape on a plate. The plate sits on a table, with a finely rendered curtain behind it. The Latin motto, "OMNIBUS ANSA REBUS INEST" (There is a handle on all things), combined with the delicate action, conveys a moral lesson about prudence and carefulness. The print is a classic example of 17th-century Dutch moralizing art. Jacob Cats was a prominent Dutch poet, jurist, and politician, a figure of great influence during the Dutch Golden Age. His moralistic emblem books, filled with allegorical stories and illustrations, were immensely popular and provided moral guidance to the Dutch public. His work is noted for its accessibility and has been a cornerstone of Dutch literature. Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1618 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – A Hand Taking a Grape – Engraving (1618)

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This engraving from Jacob Cats's Dutch emblem book depicts a ship in a storm with people in a small boat attempting to row. The title at the top, "VOORNEDEN EN TEGENWOORDIGHEDEN" (Fore-pasts and Presents), and the text below, "Als 't diep verloopt / verſet men de bakens" (When the deep subsides / one shifts the beacons), offer a moral lesson about adapting to changing circumstances. The print is a classic example of 17th-century Dutch moralizing art, using a familiar nautical theme to convey a deeper message. Jacob Cats was a prominent Dutch poet, jurist, and politician, a figure of great influence during the Dutch Golden Age. His moralistic emblem books, filled with allegorical stories and illustrations, were immensely popular and provided moral guidance to the Dutch public. His work is noted for its accessibility and has been a cornerstone of Dutch literature. Artist or Maker: Jacob Cats&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1618 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Jacob Cats (1577–1660) – A Ship in a Storm – Engraving (1618)

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This detailed engraving is a topographical view of the Castle of Batavia, now Jakarta, in Indonesia. The view, from Jacques-Nicolas Bellin's supplement to Abbé Prévost’s Histoire générale des voyages, shows the fortified castle from the side of the sugar warehouse, with a bustling river scene in the foreground. Numerous small boats and figures are visible on the water, providing a sense of daily life and commerce. The illustration is a significant historical record of the Dutch colonial city in the mid-18th century. Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was a French cartographer and naval officer, who served as the first Ingénieur Hydrographe de la Marine. He was a key figure in 18th-century cartography, known for his prolific and highly accurate maps of coasts and ports around the world. His works, including Petit Atlas Maritime, were considered authoritative for many years and contributed significantly to navigational knowledge. Artist or Maker: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1753 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) – View of the Castle of Batavia – Engraving (1753)

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This detailed engraving is a topographical view of the historic port city of Malacca, in modern-day Malaysia. The image captures a lively harbor scene filled with various ships and boats in the foreground, with the city rising from the coast in the background. A prominent fort or large building is visible on a hill, a common feature of colonial port cities. The print is from Jacques-Nicolas Bellin's supplement to Abbé Prévost’s Histoire générale des voyages, providing a valuable historical record of this important trading hub in the mid-18th century. Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was a French cartographer and naval officer, who served as the first Ingénieur Hydrographe de la Marine. He was a key figure in 18th-century cartography, known for his prolific and highly accurate maps of coasts and ports around the world. His works, including Petit Atlas Maritime, were considered authoritative for many years and contributed significantly to navigational knowledge. Artist or Maker: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1753 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) – View of Malacca – Engraving (1753)

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This engraving from Buffon’s monumental work Histoire naturelle depicts the skeleton of a small mammal mounted on a large, classical pedestal. The scene is set within a landscape featuring a house and trees in the background. As an anatomical study, this plate highlights the scientific focus of the publication, going beyond external appearances to reveal the internal structure of the animals.Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist. He is most known for authoring the Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, a comprehensive encyclopedia of the natural world that was a landmark work of the Enlightenment and highly influential in the development of modern natural history. As the keeper of the Jardin du Roi, he oversaw the creation of one of the world's most extensive natural history collections. Artist or Maker: Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon Dimensions: Approximately 26 x 20 cm Medium: Engraving Date: 1758 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – Skeleton of a Small Mammal – Engraving (1758)

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This hand-coloured engraving is a detailed zoological illustration of two chevrotains, or mouse-deer, identified as "Das Biſam Thier" (The Musk Animal). The print depicts one animal standing in profile and the other lying down, showcasing their distinctive striped and spotted coats. The engraving, from a German edition of Buffon's natural history titled Allgemeine Naturgeschichte nach dem Buffon'schen System, is a fine example of the era's encyclopedic efforts to document exotic animals from around the world. Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist. He is most known for authoring the Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, a comprehensive encyclopedia of the natural world that was a landmark work of the Enlightenment and highly influential in the development of modern natural history. As the keeper of the Jardin du Roi, he oversaw the creation of one of the world's most extensive natural history collections. Artist or Maker: Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon and C.F. Güth&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 25 x 18 cm&nbsp; Medium: Hand-coloured Engraving&nbsp; Date: c. 1780 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – The Musk Animal (Chevrotain) – Hand-coloured Engraving (c. 1780)

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This engraving is a highly dramatic depiction of a bull being attacked by a pack of dogs. The bull is shown in a defensive stance, having tossed two of the dogs into the air, while others continue their assault on the ground. The scene is a vivid representation of bull baiting, a popular but brutal sport of the 18th century. The artist, through meticulous detail, captures the intensity of the struggle and the raw power of the animals. Johann Christoph Haffner was a German engraver and printmaker who was active in the mid- to late 18th century. He is known for his work in the tradition of Johann Elias Ridinger, specializing in highly detailed and dynamic engravings of animals, hunting scenes, and other rural subjects. His prints were sought after by collectors for their energetic compositions and fine craftsmanship. Artist or Maker: Johann Christoph Haffner&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 20 x 28 cm&nbsp; Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: c. 1760 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Johann Christoph Haffner (1734–1801) – A Bull Attacked by Dogs – Engraving (c. 1760)

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This hand-coloured lithograph from Leopold Fitzinger's work Bilder aus der Geschichte der Thiere presents a detailed natural history illustration of a Greater Capercaillie. The large bird is depicted perched on a pine branch, with its prominent tail feathers fanned out. The hand-colouring highlights the intricate patterns of its dark brown plumage and the iridescent green feathers on its breast. The scientific name, Tetraos urogallus, and the German title, "Das groessere Auerhuhn," are noted below the image. The print is a classic example of the high-quality zoological documentation produced during the mid-19th century. Leopold Fitzinger was a prominent Austrian zoologist and herpetologist. He served as the curator of the zoology department at the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna and was the author of several important natural history publications. His work, including Bilder aus der Geschichte der Thiere, was widely respected for its scientific accuracy and its use of high-quality illustrations to document the animal kingdom. Artist or Maker: Leopold Fitzinger&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 30 x 24 cm&nbsp; Medium: Hand-coloured Lithograph&nbsp; Date: 1860 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Leopold Fitzinger (1802–1884) – The Greater Capercaillie (Tetraos urogallus) – Hand-coloured Lithograph (1860)

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This engraving from Buffon’s monumental work Histoire naturelle depicts a Saker Falcon perched on a post. The bird is rendered with detailed plumage and an alert expression, with a cloudy sky in the background and a reptile at its feet. The plate is from the avian section of the publication, which is a testament to the scientific accuracy and artistic quality that defined this seminal work. Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist. He is most known for authoring the Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, a comprehensive encyclopedia of the natural world that was a landmark work of the Enlightenment and highly influential in the development of modern natural history. As the keeper of the Jardin du Roi, he oversaw the creation of one of the world's most extensive natural history collections. Artist or Maker: De Sève and Baquoy Dimensions: Approximately 26 x 20 cm Medium: Engraving Date: 1758 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – The Saker Falcon – Engraving (1758)

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This engraving from Buffon's monumental work Histoire naturelle depicts a falcon perched on a rocky mound. The illustration captures the bird in profile against a backdrop of clouds and distant mountains. The plate, from the avian section of the publication, is a testament to the scientific accuracy and artistic quality that defined this seminal work, showcasing the bird's detailed feathers and its alert expression. It reflects the period's efforts to systematically document the natural world. Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist. He is most known for authoring the Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, a comprehensive encyclopedia of the natural world that was a landmark work of the Enlightenment. As the keeper of the Jardin du Roi, he oversaw the creation of one of the world's most extensive natural history collections, and his work was highly influential in the development of modern natural history. Artist or Maker: De Sève and R. De Launay&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 26 x 20 cm Medium: Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1758 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – The Falcon – Engraving (1758)


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This hand-coloured engraving is a detailed entomological illustration of a butterfly with white wings and black markings. The print is from the publication The Naturalist's Miscellany by George Shaw and F.P. Nodder. The butterfly is depicted with its wings spread, showing the intricate vein patterns and dark spots with scientific accuracy. The work is a fine example of late 18th-century natural history illustration, a period known for its meticulous and beautifully hand-coloured prints of species from around the world. Frederick Polydore Nodder was an English natural history illustrator, draughtsman, and engraver. He was a key collaborator on a number of important botanical and zoological publications, most notably The Naturalist's Miscellany which he published with George Shaw. His work is celebrated for its scientific precision and artistic quality, establishing him as a respected figure in the history of natural history illustration. Artist or Maker: Frederick Polydore Nodder&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 24 x 15 cm&nbsp;Medium: Hand-coloured Engraving&nbsp; Date: 1797 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Frederick Polydore Nodder (fl. 1779–1801) – Black-veined White Butterfly – Hand-coloured Engraving (1797)

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This hand-colored engraving meticulously illustrates the life cycle of the Red Admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta), presented on a leafy plant, likely a nettle. The print features two adult butterflies: one resting on the plant with its wings partially open, showcasing its vibrant black, red, and white markings, and another in flight above. Also depicted are two caterpillars actively feeding on the leaves and a chrysalis suspended from a stem, representing the different stages of metamorphosis. The detailed rendering and vibrant hand-coloring reflect the scientific accuracy typical of natural history illustrations from the late 18th century. The print includes publication details, confirming its creation by F.P. Nodder in 1789. Frederick Polydore Nodder (fl. 1786–1831) was a British natural history artist and engraver. He is best known for his extensive contributions to&nbsp;The Naturalist's Miscellany, a multi-volume work illustrating various animals, birds, insects, and plants, published from 1789. Nodder's illustrations were highly valued for their scientific accuracy, detailed rendering, and vibrant hand-coloring, which allowed European audiences to visualize newly discovered species from around the globe. His work played a significant role in the popularization and scientific understanding of natural history during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Artist or Maker: Frederick Polydore Nodder Dimensions: Approximately 36 × 27 cm Medium: Hand-colored Engraving Date: 1789 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.

Frederick Polydore Nodder – Life Cycle of the Red Admiral Butterfly

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This lithograph is an untitled abstract composition by the Spanish artist Antoni Tàpies. The work is a double-page spread from the prestigious art review Derrière le miroir, issue No. 180, published in 1969. The composition features a single, bold, horizontal brushstroke of red paint running across the center of the white pages. A denser application of paint in the middle creates a focal point, emphasizing the raw, gestural quality of the artist's work. It is a minimalist yet powerful example of Tàpies's exploration of matter and texture. Antoni Tàpies was a prominent Spanish painter, sculptor, and art theorist. He was a leading figure in the Art Informel and Abstract Expressionism movements. His work is characterized by a unique approach to mixed media, incorporating unconventional materials and textures into his canvases. Tàpies is one of Spain's most celebrated artists of the 20th century, known for his ability to convey profound emotion and philosophical concepts through abstract form. Artist or Maker: Antoni Tàpies&nbsp; Dimensions: Approximately 38 x 56 cm&nbsp; Medium: Lithograph&nbsp; Date: 1969 Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.