Original Antique Print of Roman Naval Battles and Warships by Bertuch, c. 1800
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving illustrating ancient Roman naval spectacles and warships, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around 1800.
The plate is titled “Alterthümer XIII / Antiquités XIII” and illustrates the extraordinary Roman practice of staging mock naval battles, known as naumachiae.
Fig. 1 depicts a large purpose-built naumachia: an oval amphitheater surrounding a flooded arena in which several vessels engage in a simulated naval battle. Additional ships are shown approaching through the monumental entrance and waterway below. Such elaborate spectacles were among the most ambitious forms of public entertainment in ancient Rome.
Figs. 2 and 3 show detailed side views of ancient oared warships, illustrating their construction, banks of oars, raised sterns and military equipment.
The combination of classical architecture, naval history and finely drawn ancient vessels makes this an especially interesting plate from Bertuch’s series.
The engraving is signed “J. H. Schmuzer” at lower right.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, mythology, antiquity and costumes.
An unusual and decorative early print combining ancient Roman history, architecture and maritime subjects.
Creator: Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Engraver: J. H. Schmuzer
Source: Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate: Alterthümer XIII / Antiquités XIII
Place of Publication: Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Period: Early 19th Century
Style: Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium: Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Minor marginal wear. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note: This is an original antique print from circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: Roman naval battle, naumachia, Roman warship, ancient Roman ships, Roman galley, ancient ships, naval history print, maritime engraving, ancient Rome print, Roman antiquities, classical antiquity, Grand Tour print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, J. H. Schmuzer, hand colored engraving, circa 1800
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