From Fischbuch (Latin Edition)
Conrad Gesner
Latin edition, 1620
Multiple woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This large folio leaf depicting sea fish originates from the 1620 Latin edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch, one of the most influential works in the early history of ichthyology. Although first published in the mid-sixteenth century, Gesner’s Fischbuch continued to be reissued well into the seventeenth century due to its scholarly authority and comprehensive scope.
Gesner was among the greatest polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, philologist, and natural historian. His work marked a decisive shift in the study of marine life, emphasizing systematic observation and comparison over myth and allegory. The Fischbuch represents one of the earliest sustained efforts to classify fish as biological organisms rather than symbolic creatures.
The woodcuts for the work were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, whose restrained and descriptive style provided Gesner’s text with visual clarity and authority. Their engravings focus on form, proportion, and distinguishing features, creating images intended for study rather than ornament.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding warmth and visual differentiation while preserving the integrity of the original woodcuts. Such later coloring was commonly undertaken for collectors and scholars and results in a unique object shaped by individual artistic intervention.
Latin editions of Gesner’s Fischbuch are particularly valued for their role in transmitting Renaissance natural history to an international scholarly audience. This folio stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Gesner’s vision and remains a foundational document in the visual history of marine science.
Good overall condition. Some staining to the lower margin consistent with age and use. Please view images carefully.
Nissen, Fischbücher 59
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1620
Dimensions: 15.16 × 9.06 inches (38.5 × 23 cm)
Subjects: Sea Fish, Ichthyology
Status: Available
From Fischbuch (Latin Edition)
Conrad Gesner
Latin edition, 1620
Multiple woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This large folio leaf depicting sea fish originates from the 1620 Latin edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch, one of the most influential works in the early history of ichthyology. Although first published in the mid-sixteenth century, Gesner’s Fischbuch continued to be reissued well into the seventeenth century due to its scholarly authority and comprehensive scope.
Gesner was among the greatest polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, philologist, and natural historian. His work marked a decisive shift in the study of marine life, emphasizing systematic observation and comparison over myth and allegory. The Fischbuch represents one of the earliest sustained efforts to classify fish as biological organisms rather than symbolic creatures.
The woodcuts for the work were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, whose restrained and descriptive style provided Gesner’s text with visual clarity and authority. Their engravings focus on form, proportion, and distinguishing features, creating images intended for study rather than ornament.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding warmth and visual differentiation while preserving the integrity of the original woodcuts. Such later coloring was commonly undertaken for collectors and scholars and results in a unique object shaped by individual artistic intervention.
Latin editions of Gesner’s Fischbuch are particularly valued for their role in transmitting Renaissance natural history to an international scholarly audience. This folio stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Gesner’s vision and remains a foundational document in the visual history of marine science.
Good overall condition. Some staining to the lower margin consistent with age and use. Please view images carefully.
Nissen, Fischbücher 59
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1620
Dimensions: 15.16 × 9.06 inches (38.5 × 23 cm)
Subjects: Sea Fish, Ichthyology
Status: Available
