Dive into the fascinating world of antique marine biology with our curated selection of sea creature prints. From delicate jellyfish (Medusariae) to intricate starfish (Stelleridae) and echinoderms, these illustrations were created by master artists like Pierre-Antoine Prêtre for 18th and 19th-century scientific encyclopedias.
Each print is a unique piece of natural history and a stunning visual addition to any refined interior or collector’s library.
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Prêtre Sea Life
Pierre-Antoine Prêtre, one of the most refined scientific illustrators of the 19th century, brought to life the intricate anatomy of marine species through precise and elegant engravings.
This collection features original plates of jellyfish, starfish, and other mysterious sea creatures published in the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali.
Each print is a testament to Enlightenment-era natural science and a perfect decorative accent for interior lovers, collectors, and academics alike.
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Prêtre Shells
Pierre Antoine Pretre – Shell Engravings
Explore our collection of rare hand-colored engravings of marine shells illustrated by Pierre Antoine Pretre, one of the most refined scientific artists of the 19th century.
Originally created for the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali (Battelli, Firenze), these shell prints combine scientific precision with decorative elegance, making them ideal for collectors and interior designers alike.
- Original 19th-century prints
- Hand-colored engravings
- Each print is unique and historically significant
Each shell is rendered with clarity and vibrant natural tones, capturing the delicate architecture and color variations of nature’s underwater jewels.
Rostellaria, Terebra,...
Ancient illustrations of turriculated shells, colored with scientific precision.
Cerith Shells...
Entomostome shells depicted with chromatic elegance and scientific precision.
Cristellaria, Pirgo,...
Vintage shell illustration: Cristellaria, Pirgo, Pulvinite, Catillo original 19th century zoological print by Prêtre.
Pinna, Mitilo,...
Antique conchology print: Pinna nobilis, Mitilo, Modiola, and Litodomo drawn by Prêtre.
Mitra, Oliva, Terebra...
Colorful antique shell print featuring Mitra, Oliva, and Terebra drawn by Prêtre and engraved by Corvi.
Conus mitra, Conus...
Antique shell engraving: Conus species and Rombo imperiale vibrant and geometrical forms by Prêtre.
Ciprea, Peribolo,...
Fine antique print of Ciprea, Peribolo, Marginella highly decorative sea shells by Prêtre.
Moon Jellyfish...
Hand-colored engraving of Aurelia crenulata, with detailed anatomical illustrations.
Cube Jellyfish...
Three jellyfish species illustrated in fine hand-colored lithography by Prêtre.