156 François Valentijn & Christiaan Elliger – Tropical Fish from the Moluccas – Copperplate Engraving – 1724
This detailed copperplate engraving depicts a group of tropical fish species native to the waters of the Indonesian archipelago, particularly around the Moluccas. Shown in two separate vignettes, the fish are arranged in naturalistic compositions with numbered annotations for taxonomic identification. The image captures a variety of marine forms—spiny fins, armored scales, and exotic profiles—drawn with precision and presented against subtle landscape backdrops, including coastal vegetation and fishing implements. The plate was published in François Valentijn’s monumental Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën (1724–26), one of the most important early European works documenting the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia.
François Valentijn (1666–1727) was a Dutch naturalist, historian, and minister who worked for the VOC (Dutch East India Company). His illustrated compendium Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën included thousands of observations on the geography, people, and natural life of the East Indies. Christiaan Elliger (1700–1757), a skilled Dutch illustrator, contributed scientifically accurate and aesthetically refined drawings to the project.
Artist or Maker: François Valentijn (author), Christiaan Elliger (illustrator)
Dimensions: 31 × 22.5 cm
Medium: Copperplate engraving on laid paper
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 | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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