4876 François Valentijn (1666–1727) – Exotic Marine Life of the Moluccas – Copperplate Engraving (1724)
This detailed copperplate engraving depicts an array of tropical fish, crustaceans, and marine life native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, in present-day Indonesia. The upper scene presents various species including butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and a large land crab, while the lower register shows crustaceans and eel-like fishes displayed on a shoreline beneath swaying palms. Each specimen is numbered and laid out with scientific intent, reflecting early natural history documentation.
The illustration was published in Valentijn’s Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën, one of the most ambitious colonial-era works combining ethnography, cartography, and zoological observation from the Dutch East Indies. The plates were engraved by Caspar Luyken and other leading illustrators of the Dutch Golden Age, making them exceptional both scientifically and artistically.
Artist or Maker:
François Valentijn
Dimensions:
34 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.
| Värdering | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 25% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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