Sea fans or Alcyonacea species

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Sea fans or Alcyonacea species

Coral sea fan, Alcyonacea species, Corallium acarbarium nigrum ramosum 1, sea fan, Keratophyton crusta muricata 2, soft coral covered in stony coral 3. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after an illustration by Johann Christoph Keller from Georg Wolfgang Knorrs Deliciae Naturae Selectae of Kabinet van Zeldzaamheden der Natuur, Blusse and Son, Nuremberg, 1771. Specimens from a Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities owned by Dr. Christoph Jacob Trew in Nuremberg

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23184710

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Auserlesenes Coral Corallium Deliciae Georg Knorr Muricata Naturae Naturalien Cabinet Nigrum Oder Selectae Soft Species Stony Wolfgang Zoological Alcyonacea

EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving showcases a stunning collection of Sea Fans or Alcyonacea species, captured in intricate detail from an illustration by Johann Christoph Keller for Georg Wolfgang Knorr's Deliciae Naturae Selectae, published in Nuremberg in 1771. The engraving features several notable Sea Fan species, including the Corallium acarbarium nigrum ramosum, characterized by its dark, branching structure, and the Keratophyton crusta muricata, recognizable by its rough, spiky surface. Sea Fans, also known as soft corals, are a diverse group of marine organisms that display fan-like or feathery structures. Unlike their stony counterparts, Sea Fans do not form a calcium carbonate skeleton but instead rely on a soft, gelatinous structure for support. This engraving highlights the beauty and complexity of these underwater marvels, which were once highly prized additions to the Wunderkammern or Cabinets of Curiosities of the time. The illustration showcases two distinct types of Sea Fans: the Corallium acarbarium nigrum ramosum and the Keratophyton crusta muricata. The former is depicted in its dark, branching form, while the latter is illustrated with its rough, spiky surface. Additionally, the engraving reveals a soft coral covered in stony coral, demonstrating the intricate interplay between these two distinct coral types in their natural habitats. This artwork not only serves as a testament to the natural beauty of the marine world but also provides a glimpse into the scientific curiosity and exploration of the 18th century. The meticulous hand-coloring and engraving techniques employed by the artist and engraver further enhance the intricacy and detail of the illustration, making it a true masterpiece of zoological art.

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