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an open book with illustrations of different fish on ittwo fish that are standing next to each other on a bookan open book with a drawing of fish on itan old book with a green cover sitting on top of a white surface
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1615 - Zoology – Ichthyology
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Estimate €1,800 - €2,400
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Description
Zoology – Ichthyology Castelnau, François Expedition to the central regions of South America, from Rio de Janeiro to Lima, and from Lima to Pará (...). Illustrated volume on fish, with 50 lithographic plates. Paris, Bertrand, 1855. 4°. Half leather binding in the style of the period with green leather corners (slightly rubbed). The richly gold-embossed spine features floral fillets, whilst the spine panels display stylised depictions of fish, effectively reflecting the work’s zoological and ichthyological content. Nissen ZBI 837. – A rarely offered, independently published ichthyological illustrated volume from the zoological section of Castelnau’s large-scale official expedition work. The French research expedition from 1843 to 1847, led by the naturalist, traveller and diplomat Francis de Castelnau, travelled from Rio de Janeiro through the Brazilian interior and over the Andes to Lima, then via the great river systems of the Amazon to Pará. The resulting publication ranks among the most significant scientific travel accounts of the 19th century and, in addition to the travel narrative, comprises extensive contributions on geography, ethnography, botany and zoology. This volume is devoted to the fish of South America that were collected, observed and scientifically documented during the expedition. The work systematically covers numerous species, including newly described South American freshwater fish or those that were only inadequately known at the time. The complete series of 50 lithographed plates illustrates the species in meticulous detail, suitable for scientific identification, whilst also possessing great aesthetic appeal. Castelnau’s *Poissons* is thus both a fundamental source for early South American ichthyology and an outstanding example of scientific book illustration from the French Romantic period. - One plate has traces of previous mounting on the reverse; the margins are slightly browned, with some areas showing brown stains and fingerprints. Overall in very good condition; the plates retain their natural, vibrant colours. Zoology. - Ichthyology. - With 50 colourful lithographs. Contemporary-style half calf, with green leather corners (slightly rubbed). The richly gilt spine is decorated with floral fillets and fish motifs; its compartments feature stylised depictions of fish, effectively reflecting the zoological and ichthyological subject matter of the work. Nissen ZBI 837. - A rarely offered, separately published ichthyological atlas from the zoological section of Castelnau’s extensive official expedition report. Led by the naturalist, traveller and diplomat Francis de Castelnau, the French scientific expedition of 1843–1847 travelled from Rio de Janeiro through the Brazilian interior and across the Andes to Lima, continuing via the great river systems of Amazonia to Pará. Its published record ranks amongst the major scientific travel accounts of the 19th century and comprises, in addition to the narrative of the journey, substantial contributions to geography, ethnography, botany and zoology. This volume is devoted to the South American fish collected, observed and scientifically studied during the expedition. Numerous species are systematically described, including newly described fish and South American freshwater species that were then still little known. The complete set of 50 lithographic plates depicts the species with a precision suitable for scientific identification, whilst also possessing considerable aesthetic appeal. Castelnau’s *Poissons* is therefore both a fundamental source for the early study of South American ichthyology and an outstanding example of natural-history book illustration from the French Romantic period. One plate shows traces of previous mounting on the reverse, with minimal browning at the margins, and is occasionally somewhat browned and has finger marks. Overall, it is very well preserved, with the plates retaining their vivid, naturalistic colours.
See original version (German)
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About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
Auction location
Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
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