Soft-shell Tortoises. Quadrup-Ovip. La Tortue Molle. Tortoises engraving. Rousseau c1835

by Rousseau, Nicolas Louis

Antique Print of tortoises. Quadruped reptile. Soft-Shell Tortoises: Quadup-Ovip, La Turtue Molle.

Original copperplate engraving by Nicolas Louis Rousseau (active 1815-1840).  Published in Paris circa 1835 for Bernard G.E. Delaville, Comte de Lacepede’s dissertation on “Serpens” (snakes) of the world, for "Suites a Buffon".

First published as a copperplate engraving between 1749 and 1788 for the monumental work Histoire Naturelle, Generale et Particuliere avec la Description du Cabinet du Roi (Natural History, General and Specific with the description of the King's collection) by George-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-88).

A philosopher and mathematician, Buffon wished to illustrate all the marvels of the natural world. Starting in his forties with a catalogue of King Louis XV’s “cabinet of curiosities” he worked on this series throughout his life. It was such a popular work that after he died it continued to be published, as "Suites a Buffon".This plate is considerably foxed, but has wonderful strong contemporary (original) colour (oxidized through to the rear of the plate). It is a great illustration!

To engraved border measures 16 x 95cm (6.25 x 3.75 inches). Page measures 220 x 135mm (8.5 x 5.25 inches).