4554 François Valentijn (1666–1727) – Coral Reef and Armored Fishes of the Indies – Copperplate Engraving – 1724
This detailed copperplate engraving from Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën presents two horizontal registers of bizarre and armored fishes found in the tropical waters of the East Indies. The upper panel features a composition of reef-dwelling and deep-bodied species, including angler-like fish and spotted groupers, while the lower panel highlights striking specimens with plated exteriors and extended spines, including a grotesquely elongated armored fish in the foreground. Each species is identified by number, referencing Valentijn’s original catalogue. The dramatic sea and sky backdrops add a theatrical flair to this otherwise scientific record.
François Valentijn (1666–1727) was a Dutch theologian and naturalist who worked for the VOC in the East Indies. His monumental five-volume work documented the natural history, ethnography, and geography of the region with first-hand detail. The illustrations in his volumes, often based on local drawings and observations, provide one of the earliest visual archives of Indo-Pacific marine biodiversity.
Artist or Maker:
François Valentijn
Dimensions:
approx. 30 cm x 20 cm
Medium:
Copperplate Engraving
Date:
1724
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.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 25% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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