From De Piscibus
Ulisse Aldrovandi, engraved by Cristoforo Coriolano
Bologna: Nicolaus Tebaldini, 1638
Hand-colored woodcut on folio leaf
Woodcut printed to recto
This elegant folio woodcut depicting a golden carp originates from De Piscibus, Ulisse Aldrovandi’s monumental study of aquatic life, published posthumously in Bologna in 1638 by Nicolaus Tebaldini. Carp were among the most familiar and symbolically resonant freshwater fish known to early modern Europe, valued both for their economic importance and their distinctive physical form.
Aldrovandi was regarded by his contemporaries, sometimes with admiring irony, as the supreme authority on natural history for his exhaustive and methodical approach to classification. While his texts were occasionally criticized for excess, the illustrations in his works were universally praised. Particular admiration was reserved for his woodcut engraver Cristoforo Coriolano, whose cuts were noted for their refinement and elegance, often compared to copper engravings in their precision.
The present impression exemplifies this quality. Coriolano’s line work captures the carp’s elongated body, scaled texture, and flowing fins with clarity and restraint. The sheet has been hand colored, likely shortly after publication, enriching the naturalistic presentation while preserving the authority of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Golden carp occupy an important place in the history of ichthyology, representing one of the earliest freshwater species to be studied systematically. This print reflects the transition from descriptive tradition to observational science and remains a compelling artifact of early modern natural history illustration.
Good overall condition. Please view images carefully for details.
Nissen, Zoologische Buchillustration (ZBI) 70
Nissen, Fischbücher 7
Westwood & Satchell 3
Huber 56
Medium: Hand-colored woodcut
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1638
Dimensions: 13.78 × 9.45 inches (35 × 24 cm)
Subject: Golden Carp, Ichthyology
Status: Available
From De Piscibus
Ulisse Aldrovandi, engraved by Cristoforo Coriolano
Bologna: Nicolaus Tebaldini, 1638
Hand-colored woodcut on folio leaf
Woodcut printed to recto
This elegant folio woodcut depicting a golden carp originates from De Piscibus, Ulisse Aldrovandi’s monumental study of aquatic life, published posthumously in Bologna in 1638 by Nicolaus Tebaldini. Carp were among the most familiar and symbolically resonant freshwater fish known to early modern Europe, valued both for their economic importance and their distinctive physical form.
Aldrovandi was regarded by his contemporaries, sometimes with admiring irony, as the supreme authority on natural history for his exhaustive and methodical approach to classification. While his texts were occasionally criticized for excess, the illustrations in his works were universally praised. Particular admiration was reserved for his woodcut engraver Cristoforo Coriolano, whose cuts were noted for their refinement and elegance, often compared to copper engravings in their precision.
The present impression exemplifies this quality. Coriolano’s line work captures the carp’s elongated body, scaled texture, and flowing fins with clarity and restraint. The sheet has been hand colored, likely shortly after publication, enriching the naturalistic presentation while preserving the authority of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Golden carp occupy an important place in the history of ichthyology, representing one of the earliest freshwater species to be studied systematically. This print reflects the transition from descriptive tradition to observational science and remains a compelling artifact of early modern natural history illustration.
Good overall condition. Please view images carefully for details.
Nissen, Zoologische Buchillustration (ZBI) 70
Nissen, Fischbücher 7
Westwood & Satchell 3
Huber 56
Medium: Hand-colored woodcut
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1638
Dimensions: 13.78 × 9.45 inches (35 × 24 cm)
Subject: Golden Carp, Ichthyology
Status: Available
