"Cyprinus Orfus, Die Orf, L'Orfe, The Orf"

This beautiful book of fishes created by Marcus Elieser Bloch, was printed almost simultaneously in Berlin in German (1782-95) and in French (1785-1797). Entitled, Allegemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische and Ichtyologie ou Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, it contained 432 wonderfully hand-colored copper plate engavings of fish, some heightened in silver or gold leaf. The fish were identified by name in French, German, Latin (and in the Paris edition, in English) on the prints which assured the book of a wide audience and large distribution.  These prints have long been admired and collected for their outstanding color and skillful delineation.

10 1/2 x 16 3/4 inches sheet
Copperplate engraving with full original hand color
Excellent original condition