From Fischbuch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, German edition, 1563
Five woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This folio leaf featuring five woodcut illustrations of fish, including bream and triggerfish, originates from the 1563 German edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch. Issued during Gesner’s lifetime, the Fischbuch represents one of the earliest focused attempts to document and classify aquatic species as a distinct branch of natural history.
Gesner was among the great polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, and natural historian. His approach to ichthyology was groundbreaking in its insistence on careful observation and comparative description. Rather than treating fish as symbolic or mythical creatures, Gesner presented them as physical organisms to be studied, named, and differentiated.
The woodcuts for the Fischbuch were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, artists whose work contributed significantly to the clarity and authority of Gesner’s publications. Their cuts are direct and descriptive, emphasizing form, proportion, and distinguishing features over ornament.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding visual warmth and individuality while preserving the integrity of the original woodcuts. Such later coloring was commonly undertaken for collectors and readers who valued enhanced legibility and visual appeal. Each example is therefore unique.
Early Gesner fish prints are highly sought after for their age, scholarly importance, and role in the development of ichthyology. This leaf, with multiple species presented together, offers a rare opportunity to see how Renaissance naturalists approached marine classification in its formative stage.
Good overall condition. Light, even age toning with minor edge wear consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Nissen, Fischbücher 59
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1563
Dimensions: 13.58 × 8.54 inches (34.5 × 21.7 cm)
Subjects: Bream, Triggerfish, Ichthyology
Status: Available
From Fischbuch
Conrad Gesner
Zurich, German edition, 1563
Five woodcuts on a single folio leaf
Later hand coloring
This folio leaf featuring five woodcut illustrations of fish, including bream and triggerfish, originates from the 1563 German edition of Conrad Gesner’s Fischbuch. Issued during Gesner’s lifetime, the Fischbuch represents one of the earliest focused attempts to document and classify aquatic species as a distinct branch of natural history.
Gesner was among the great polymaths of the Renaissance, active as a physician, philosopher, bibliographer, and natural historian. His approach to ichthyology was groundbreaking in its insistence on careful observation and comparative description. Rather than treating fish as symbolic or mythical creatures, Gesner presented them as physical organisms to be studied, named, and differentiated.
The woodcuts for the Fischbuch were executed by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön, artists whose work contributed significantly to the clarity and authority of Gesner’s publications. Their cuts are direct and descriptive, emphasizing form, proportion, and distinguishing features over ornament.
The present impression has been hand colored at a later date, adding visual warmth and individuality while preserving the integrity of the original woodcuts. Such later coloring was commonly undertaken for collectors and readers who valued enhanced legibility and visual appeal. Each example is therefore unique.
Early Gesner fish prints are highly sought after for their age, scholarly importance, and role in the development of ichthyology. This leaf, with multiple species presented together, offers a rare opportunity to see how Renaissance naturalists approached marine classification in its formative stage.
Good overall condition. Light, even age toning with minor edge wear consistent with the period. Please view images carefully.
Nissen, Fischbücher 59
Medium: Woodcuts with later hand coloring
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1563
Dimensions: 13.58 × 8.54 inches (34.5 × 21.7 cm)
Subjects: Bream, Triggerfish, Ichthyology
Status: Available
