Paul van Somer (1577-1621) - Triggerfish Balistes capriscus, ichthyology, large folio copper engraving - 1686

Fine hand colored folio engraving for Francis Willoughby (1635-1672) by Paul van Somers. Paul van Somer, also known as Paulus van Somer, was a Flemish artist who arrived in England from Antwerp during the reign of King James I of England and became one of the leading painters of the royal court.

The depiction draws heavily of the work of Salviani, Rondelet and Aldrovandi.

Additional manuscript attribution of the period in manuscript.

Although Ray states with his characteristic modesty to be only the editor of the manuscript of his deceased friend Francis Willughby (1635-1672), his share in compiling the material for the work should not be neglected. The text was printed at the expense of bishop John Fell (founder of the University Press), the plates engraved by Paul van Somers under the supervision of Martin Lister at the expense of several members of the Royal Society of London, among them particularly the Society's president Samuel Pepys to whom the work is dedicated.

Good condition. Please view the images carefully.