Copper engravings by Marcus Elieser Bloch

We are pleased to present these beautiful rare original hand colored copper engravings from M.E. Bloch’s "Okonomische Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Auslandischen Fische", published in Berlin, 1785-1787. The work of Bloch is famous for the beauty of the fish portrayed and the superb hand coloring, and considered by many to be the greatest of all the works on ichthyology. These prints are in the folio size, measuring approximately 10 1/2 inches by 17 3/8 inches, on superb thick chain lined paper in a creamy color, with strong plate marks and good margins. There is no text, but a copy of the original title page is also included.

As longtime print dealers, we have bought many Bloch prints over the years and are delighted to find the hand coloring in this set the most vibrant and fresh we have ever seen. The genuine silver paint enhances may of the fishes and still glistens and is without the oxidation so commonly found with metallic paints of this age. The condition of these prints is excellent, remarkable for their age of about 230 years and a fine opportunity to gain some fine specimens!