Bidspirit auction | Dezallier d’Argenville (1680–1765) – Tessons

Dezallier d’Argenville (1680–1765) – Tessons chargés de Vermisseaux & Tesson où le Corail a vegeté – Han-Colored Engraving from L’Histoire naturelle éclaircie... (1742) - This han-colored engraving is plate 5 from L’Histoire naturelle éclaircie dans deux de ses parties principales, la Lithologie et la Conchyliologie (1742), a major scientific work by Dezallier d’Argenville. The illustration shows two fossi-bearing shards: one covered with vermiform growths (Tesson chargé de Vermisseaux) and the other with coral formations (Tesson où le Corail a vegeté en plusieurs endroits). These images reflect Enlightenmen-era fascination with marine fossils and mineralogical curiosities, drawn directly from d’Argenville’s own natural history cabinet.Dezallier d’Argenville (1680–1765) was a French naturalist, art theorist, and collector. A former painter turned scholar, he compiled one of the most famous cabinets of curiosities in France and published pioneering works on natural history, conchology, and mineralogy. His 1742 Histoire naturelle was widely referenced in Europe and admired by collectors and scientists alike, including Carl Linnaeus. The engravings were funded by his aristocratic patrons and remain among the most vivid fossil illustrations of the 18th century.Artist or Maker:Dezallier d’Argenville, published by De Bure l’Aîné Dimensions:29 cm x 22 cm Medium: Engraving Date:1742 Condition Report: This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.