This hand-colored copperplate print from The Naturalists Miscellany (1812) by George Shaw and Frederick Nodder features two remarkable limpets: the Tortoise-shell limpet (Cellana testudinaria) and the Pleated limpet (Patella ferruginea). The Tortoise-shell limpet is depicted with a smooth, convex shell that showcases intricate, tortoiseshell-like patterns in rich shades of brown and golden yellow.
Its elegant, natural form is highlighted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the texture and coloration of its unique shell. The Pleated limpet is shown with a shell that is distinctively marked by radial grooves or pleats, offering a contrast in texture and form. The lines on its shell are subtly shaded, giving depth to the print and enhancing its lifelike representation. Both limpets are artistically rendered in a delicate, naturalistic style, with the vibrant hand-colored accents bringing out the fine details of their shells, creating a striking visual effect.
Measurements: 40"H x 22"W
England, 1812