133 Pierre-Quentin Chedel (1705–1763) after François Boucher (1703–1770) – Engraving – Shells and Sea Creatures – From L’Histoire Naturelle Éclaircie (1742)

The print presents a variety of seashells, including Murex ju Rochers and Sea Urchins or Sea Buttons, drawn with remarkable precision and elegance. These illustrations served both scientific and artistic purposes, combining taxonomy with decorative naturalism. The engraved plate is part of a larger corpus dedicated to lithology and conchology, offering early classification of shells and stones in the Age of Enlightenment.

Pierre-Quentin Chedel (1705–1763) was a prominent French engraver known for his collaborations with leading artists of the period. His engravings for Dezallier d’Argenville’s natural history volumes are especially prized for their clarity and refinement. François Boucher (1703–1770), one of the most influential Rococo artists, provided the original designs for many of the plates in the series.

Artist or Maker:

Pierre-Quentin Chedel after François Boucher

Antoine Joseph Dezallier de Argenville

Dimensions:

21 cm x 28 cm

Medium:

Engraving

Date:

1742

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.