Antique Books, Maps, & Prints of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 56971:
Description
This rare, first edition volume with 63 plates is Wilhelm von Wright, Carl Ulrich Ekström, Bengt Fredrik Fries, & Carl Jacob Sundevall’s
Skandinaviens Fiskar or
The Fishes of Scandinavia. The full title is
Skandinaviens Fiskar, målade efter lefvande exemplar och ritade på sten af Wilh. von Wright, med text af B. Fr. Fries och C.U. Ekström. & Bihang innefattande beskrifningar öfver de i Skandinavien bruklige Fiskeredskap med figurer. The work was published in Stockholm between 1836 and 1857 by P.A. Norstedt & Söner.
This is an exceptional work on Scandinavian fishes. The volume is complete with text, 60 lithographed plates, 59 of which feature splendid original hand-coloring heightened with gum arabic, and 3 engraved plates which includes the supplement. No title page was published, but the printed wrapper of the first part (originally published as 10 parts) was bound into the volume. It is bound in contemporary green half morocco, spine is in 6 compartments with gilt fish ornaments and lettering, top edges gilt. The plates are after Wilhelm von Wright and the text was started by Bengt Fredrik Fries and completed by Carl Ulrich Ekström and Carl Jacob Sundevall.
Wilhelm von Wright (1810-1887) was a Finnish-born natural history painter.
Skandinaviens Fiskar was considered his masterpiece. He began the work in 1836 and was completed with the help of his younger brother Ferdinand.
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The spine is faded to brown. The work itself can be prone to foxing, but this is a very clean presentation overall with some minor foxing and browning, most in near perfect condition. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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