Conchology. Univalves, Argonaut and Nautilus with cross-section. Milton engraving c1804.

by Rees, Abraham

Antique print of the spectacularly formed Argonaut and Nautilus shells c1845.

Original copperplate engraving by Milton for “The New Cyclopaedia” compiled by Abraham Rees and published between 1810 and 1818 by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown of Paternoster Row in London. This is a clearly shown differentiation of the differnt aspects of Bivalves.

Having served a long apprenticeship as a reviser of Chambers’ Encyclopaedia, between 1802 and 1820 Rees produced the greatest encyclopaedia of the early 18th century, a completely original, finely illustrated work, using the finest artists and experts in each field. With over 240 engraved portraits of famous and unusual subjects, in each of seven volumes, it was titled "The Cyclopaedia or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature".

This fine engraving has later hand-colour, which certainly adds to its appeal. The page measures 268 x 210mm (10.5 x 8.25 inches). There is a very small tear at the base of the page, below the publisher information, and the image is very close to the edge of the page on the left.