Home > Europe > Italy > Tuscany > Florence
Extinct foam oysters or devils toenails, Gyphaea species
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Extinct foam oysters or devils toenails, Gyphaea species
Extinct foam oysters or devils toenails, Gryphaea arcuata 1, 2, Gryphaea ed orbicole silicee, Gryphaea columba. Handcoloured copperplate stipple engraving from Antoine Laurent de Jussieus Dizionario delle Scienze Naturali, Dictionary of Natural Science, Florence, Italy, 1837. Illustration engraved by Corsi, drawn by Jean Gabriel Pretre and directed by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, and published by Batelli e Figli. Turpin (1775-1840) is considered one of the greatest French botanical illustrators of the 19th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23387158
© Florilegius
1837 Broad Delle Devils Dictionary Dizionario Edible Epipactis Extinct Florence Foam Francois Giarrè Helleborine Jussieu Latifolia Leaved Naturali Orchid Oysters Pierre Scienze Species Stipple Turpin Vegetable Verico Toenails
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mollusks
> Oysters
> Europe
> Italy
> Tuscany
> Florence
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcoloured copperplate stipple engraving depicts four extinct species of foam oysters or devils toenails, belonging to the Gyphaea genus. The illustrated species are Gryphaea arcuata (1), Gryphaea ed orbicole silicee (2), and Gryphaea columba. These unique bivalves, also known as epiphylloid bivalves, were once abundant in shallow, brackish waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. The intricate detail of this illustration, drawn by Jean Gabriel Pretre and directed by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, is a testament to the exceptional skill of the French botanical illustrators of the 19th century. Turpin, considered one of the greatest botanical illustrators of his time, oversaw the publication of this image in Antoine Laurent de Jussieu's Dizionario delle Scienze Naturali, or Dictionary of Natural Science, in Florence, Italy, in 1837. The foam oysters or devils toenails were characterized by their distinctive fan-shaped shells, which resembled the toes of a devil or a claw. The shells were covered in a layer of foamy material, which protected the bivalves from predators and helped them blend in with their environment. Unfortunately, these fascinating creatures are now extinct, and their disappearance from our planet's ecosystems is a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world around us. The broad-leaved helleborine orchid (Epipactis latifolia) is shown in the background, adding to the overall beauty and intrigue of this image.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
