Bilder Pierre-Quentin Chedel after François Boucher – Porcelaines (Shells) – Hand-Coloured Engraving from L’Histoire Naturelle Éclaircie… by Dezallier de Argenville (1742)

Beskrivning

This exquisite hand-coloured engraving, titled Porcelaines, was engraved by Pierre-Quentin Chedel after designs by François Boucher and published in the first edition of L’Histoire Naturelle Éclaircie dans deux de ses parties principales. La Lithologie et la Conchyliologie by Antoine Joseph Dezallier de Argenville in Paris, 1742. The plate presents a refined arrangement of marine shells from the Cypraeidae family, commonly known as cowries, celebrated in the 18th century for their ornamental beauty and association with exotic trade.

Rendered with elegant linework and delicately applied colour, the engraving reflects the synthesis of Enlightenment scientific curiosity and Rococo decorative aesthetics. Each shell is drawn with anatomical fidelity and labelled according to contemporary natural history classification, framed by an artistically balanced layout that merges scientific taxonomy with visual appeal.

Pierre-Quentin Chedel was a master engraver known for his precision and subtlety, especially in translating the dynamic compositions of Boucher into copperplate. This collaboration resulted in some of the most artistically distinguished plates in early conchological literature. Dezallier de Argenville’s text was one of the earliest popular works to bridge natural history with collecting culture, helping shape European interest in conchology.

Artist or Maker: Antoine Joseph Dezallier de Argenville; Engraving by Pierre-Quentin Chedel after François Boucher

Dimensions: 21 cm x 28 cm

Medium: Hand-Coloured 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.