Murex Shells7 ¾ by 10 inchesKNR635 $185 This selection of prints is from one of the rarest and most beautiful of all the shell works "Vernugen der Augen und des Gemuth" by Georg Wolfgang Knorr published in 1757 in Nuremberg, Germany. A wide variety of shells are represented, all extremely well drawn and beautifully hand colored. Knorr (1705-1761) was a renowned German paleontologist as well as a painter, draftsman, engraver, collector & art dealer. He began engraving at the age of 18, working with Martin Tyroff on illustrations for the Physica Sacra. Later, Knorr went on to publish several scientific works from Nuremberg, all distinguished for their beautiful hand coloring. These are among the greatest shell illustrations of all time, and the fine condition of the prints along with hand coloring that is as fresh and brilliant as the day it was done, make them a rare find indeed. The paper is a soft white in color, strong and chain-lined with some sheets bearing a strong watermark. There are very fox marks or other blemishes at all. There is no descriptive text, but a copy of the coloured title page will be included. These prints are in amazing condition for any work, let alone one that is over 265 years old! It has become and exceedingly rare work.
