G.E. Rumphius Shell Prints

Thesaurus Imaginum Piscium Testaceorum, was published in Amsterdam in 1739. Georgius Everhardus Rumphius worked most of his life for the Dutch East Indies Company, residing on the island of Ambon in Indonesia. Skilled as an engineer, early naturalist and observer, he provide a fascinating view of the natural world as it existed in the 1700's in the tropics. Unfortunately, he was beset by many disasters, including the loss of his vision, the death of his wife in an earthquake and a fire which destroyed his library and original drawings. His greatest work is D'Amboinische Rariteitskamer.

Each original copper plate engraving is on strong chain lined paper measuring about 9 1/4 inches by 13 1/2 inches, lightly toned and with few defects as shown. The hand coloring was professionally done at a later time.