From Fischbuch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich: Christoph Froschauer, 1563
Two woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This fine sixteenth-century folio leaf depicting a sea bear and a crab originates from the 1563 German edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch, printed in Zurich by Christoph Froschauer. Issued during Gesner’s lifetime, the Fischbuch stands among the earliest focused attempts to document aquatic life through systematic observation and comparison.
Gesner was one of the great polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, and natural historian. His approach to ichthyology marked a decisive shift away from purely symbolic or mythic representations of marine creatures. At the same time, many animals remained imperfectly understood. The “sea bear” reflects this transitional moment, combining elements of real marine mammals with inherited classical and medieval descriptions. The image captures the uncertainty and curiosity that defined early modern marine science.
The woodcuts for the Fischbuch were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, whose work is characterized by clarity, restraint, and attention to form. The present leaf has been hand colored at a later date, enhancing contrast and visual presence while preserving the integrity of the original cuts. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Early Gesner marine prints are highly valued for their age, scholarly importance, and role in establishing the visual foundations of ichthyology. This folio, presenting both a speculative creature and a clearly observed crustacean, offers a compelling view into how Renaissance naturalists attempted to reconcile observation with tradition.
Good overall condition. Minor edge wear and a few small marks consistent with age. Please view images carefully.
Nissen 350
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1563
Dimensions: 13.54 × 8.66 inches (34.4 × 22 cm)
Subjects: Sea Bear, Crab, Ichthyology
Status: Available
From Fischbuch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich: Christoph Froschauer, 1563
Two woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This fine sixteenth-century folio leaf depicting a sea bear and a crab originates from the 1563 German edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch, printed in Zurich by Christoph Froschauer. Issued during Gesner’s lifetime, the Fischbuch stands among the earliest focused attempts to document aquatic life through systematic observation and comparison.
Gesner was one of the great polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, and natural historian. His approach to ichthyology marked a decisive shift away from purely symbolic or mythic representations of marine creatures. At the same time, many animals remained imperfectly understood. The “sea bear” reflects this transitional moment, combining elements of real marine mammals with inherited classical and medieval descriptions. The image captures the uncertainty and curiosity that defined early modern marine science.
The woodcuts for the Fischbuch were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, whose work is characterized by clarity, restraint, and attention to form. The present leaf has been hand colored at a later date, enhancing contrast and visual presence while preserving the integrity of the original cuts. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Early Gesner marine prints are highly valued for their age, scholarly importance, and role in establishing the visual foundations of ichthyology. This folio, presenting both a speculative creature and a clearly observed crustacean, offers a compelling view into how Renaissance naturalists attempted to reconcile observation with tradition.
Good overall condition. Minor edge wear and a few small marks consistent with age. Please view images carefully.
Nissen 350
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1563
Dimensions: 13.54 × 8.66 inches (34.4 × 22 cm)
Subjects: Sea Bear, Crab, Ichthyology
Status: Available
