Bilder François Valentijn (1666–1727) – Tropical Fish Species – Copperplate Engraving (1726)

Beskrivning

This copperplate engraving was published in François Valentijn’s Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën (1726) and depicts a remarkable array of tropical fish species, each labeled with numerical identifiers. The illustration is executed with scientific precision and artistic flair, capturing the diverse morphology and textures of reef and deep-sea fishes observed in the East Indies.
Valentijn's works combined natural history, ethnography, and geography, forming one of the earliest comprehensive visual accounts of the Dutch colonial world. The detailed rendering and systematic arrangement of fish in this plate reflect the Enlightenment pursuit of taxonomy and the documentation of exotic fauna for European audiences. The composition’s decorative flow and organic framing enhance its aesthetic and scientific value.

François Valentijn (1666–1727) was a Dutch minister, naturalist, and historian known for his encyclopedic compilation Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën, which detailed the Dutch East India Company’s territories. His engravings serve as a visual record of Southeast Asia’s biodiversity and cultural landscapes.

Artist or Maker:
François Valentijn

Dimensions:
34 cm x 21 cm

Medium:
Copperplate Engraving

Date:
1726

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.