Beautifully illustrated by Leitner, these hand colored seashell engravings come from a compendium published 1769-1795 by collectors and enthusiasts Friederich Heinrich Wilhelm Martini (1729-1780) and Johann Hieronymus Chemnitz (1730-1800): Neues Systematisches Conchylien-Cabinet (New Systematic Collector’s Cabinet of Shells). These are classic examples of European Natural History art: forming a part of the fascination with recording, cataloguing and illustrating in encyclopedic fashion, collections of specimens and knowledge that so energized Europe of the Enlightenment. Prints are on laid paper, in very good condition, with two collection marks on all sheets. Handsomely matted in light salmon with gilded frames having some wear, scratches, but are in attractive vintage condition, gilded filets have separated at the corners consistently across all plates.
H: 16 ½ W: 14 ¼ D: 1 ½