Seba, Albertus
"Plate 72"
[Shells]

Albertus Seba.  Plate 72. [Shells].  From Locupletissimi Rerum Naturalium Thesauri.

Amsterdam: J. Wetstenium & Gul. Smith & Janssonio-Waesbergios, 1735. Engraving.  Folio print.  ca. 16 x 10 1/2.  Lovely hand color.  Very good condition. 

A print from a series of stunning folio and double folio natural history prints from the early eighteenth century. These prints, made using copper engraving and then hand colored, are the most dramatic natural history prints issued in the eighteenth century. Showing shells, snakes and other subjects, these prints were produced with as much concern for their aesthetic appearance as for their scientific accuracy.  Like many others in this field,  Seba was a collector of curiosities and these magnificent prints illustrate items from his collection.

Click the link below to view others from this series:

Plate 25. [Two Snakes and Two Centipedes]

Plate 32. [Two Snakes, Lizard and Caterpillar]

Plate 42. [Six Snakes]

Plate 46.  [Shells]

Plate 49. [Snake, Lizards and Mammal]

Plate 58. [Three Snakes]

Plate 64. [Six Snakes and Ferns]

Plate 65. [Four Snakes and Two Birds]

Plate 92. [Large Snake]

Plate 95. [Three Rattlesnakes]

Plate 103. [Baby Crocodiles & Alligators with Eggs]

Plate 104. [Large Snake]