163 Marcus Elieser Bloch Callionymus Lyra (The Spotted Dragonet) - Engraving

This vivid hand-coloured copperplate engraving depicts Callionymus lyra, commonly known as the Spotted Dragonet. The fish is illustrated in full profile, with elongated body, tapering fins, and a striking pattern of spots along the dorsal surface. The vibrant red, gold, and brown hues highlight the ornamental qualities of this benthic species. An anatomical detail of the fish’s head is also included in outline at left. The composition exemplifies the visual richness and anatomical accuracy characteristic of Bloch’s masterwork, Ichthyologie, a foundational series in the field of 18th-century ichthyology.
Marcus Elieser Bloch was a German physician and naturalist whose twelve-volume Ichthyologie set a benchmark for scientific illustration of marine life. Combining Enlightenment taxonomic rigor with sumptuous copperplate technique and hand colouring, his work is one of the most admired ichthyological publications of the period, prized for both its scholarly and artistic merit.
Artist or Maker:
Marcus Elieser Bloch
Dimensions:
27 cm x 46 cm
Medium:
Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving
Date:
1785–1797
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.
Estimate | 400 - 600 SEK |
Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |

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