Albertus Seba (1665-1736) Dutch, Hand Colored Engraving Print of Coral Sea Life. Antique natural history engraving depicts branching red coral and sea fan structures above a undulating eel-like sea creature, presented in an elegant multi-matted silver frame.

Overall Size: 30 x 34 in.
Sight Size: 18 1/2 x 23 in.

Albertus Seba (1665–1736) was a Dutch pharmacist, collector, and naturalist whose celebrated cabinet of curiosities in Amsterdam became one of the most renowned private natural-history collections of the 18th century. Born in Etzel, East Frisia, Seba established a successful pharmacy in Amsterdam and began collecting shells, minerals, plants, animals, and other natural specimens brought to Europe by sailors and merchants. His collection attracted the attention of scientists and scholars, including Peter Artedi and Carl Linnaeus, and he commissioned a monumental illustrated catalogue, Locupletissimi Rerum Naturalium Thesauri, published in four volumes between 1734 and 1765. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of engraved plates, the Thesaurus documented specimens from around the world and combined scientific observation with the imaginative visual conventions of the period. Seba’s collection and publications played an important role in the development of natural history and the study and classification of biodiversity.

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.