Bilder Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) – View of Indigenous Life – Australia – Hand-coloured engraving (1790–1830)

Beskrivning

"Verm. Gegenstände" illustrates two scenes of indigenous Australian life arranged in horizontal registers. The upper section depicts a coastal landscape with two conical dwellings and a figure near a small fire, with sailing ships visible in the distance. The lower section shows a group of five individuals seated or standing around a fire near a large, weathered tree trunk. This hand-coloured copper engraving was published in Weimar as part of the monumental series Bilderbuch für Kinder, a comprehensive educational work designed to illustrate natural history, science, and the arts for younger audiences. The series remains one of the most significant encyclopedic projects of the Enlightenment era, noted for its fine detail and scientific accuracy.

Friedrich Justin Bertuch was a prominent German publisher and writer who played a central role in the cultural life of Weimar. He established the Landes-Industrie-Comptoir, a publishing house that produced a vast range of educational materials and periodicals. Bertuch is most famous for his Bilderbuch für Kinder, which he edited and published in twelve volumes between 1790 and 1830. His work aimed to provide a systematic visual education, significantly influencing the development of illustrated textbooks and natural history documentation.

Artist or Maker: Friedrich Justin Bertuch.

Dimensions: Approximately 24 cm x 20 cm.

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving.

Date: (1790–1830).

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.