Home > Europe > Italy > Tuscany > Florence
Portuguese man o war, Physalia physalis
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Portuguese man o war, Physalia physalis
Portuguese man o war, Physalia physalis (Fisalia pelagica). 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 23387862
© Florilegius
1837 Amphibian Antoine Blacksmith Delle Dictionary Dizionario Faber Florence Francois Frog Fulva Gabriel Jussieu Laurent Naturali Physalia Physalis Pierre Portuguese Pretre Rana Scienze Stipple Treefrog Turpin Hyla Hypsiboas Smith
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Amphibians
> Frogs
> Treefrogs
> Related Images
> Europe
> Italy
> Tuscany
> Florence
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning hand-colored copperplate stipple engraving depicts the Portuguese Man O' War, Physalia physalis, also known as the Bluebottle, a fascinating and venomous marine organism. The illustration is taken from Antoine Laurent de Jussieu's Dizionario delle Scienze Naturali, or Dictionary of Natural Sciences, published in Florence, Italy, in 1837. The Portuguese Man O' War is not a true jellyfish but rather a siphonophore, a colonial organism composed of numerous specialized individuals. The illustration captures the distinctive features of this organism, including its long, blue-purple tentacles, which can grow up to 30 feet long and are used to sting and paralyze prey. The central organ or "float" is shown at the top, with its pinkish-purple color and elongated shape. The illustration was drawn by Jean Gabriel Pretre and directed by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, who is considered one of the greatest French botanical illustrators of the 19th century. Turpin's meticulous attention to detail and mastery of the copperplate engraving technique are evident in the intricate patterns and textures of the Portuguese Man O' War's tentacles and the delicate shading of its colors. This illustration also includes several amphibian species that were often found in the same regions as the Portuguese Man O' War. Among them are the Blacksmith Treefrog, Hyla faber, the Smith Frog, Boana rana, and the Ranocchiella di Gaimardii. These frogs were likely included to provide scale and context to the illustration, as well as to showcase the diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial life in the region.
MADE IN THE UK
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 Basket.
