Plate V, from "Choix de Coquillages et de Crustacés" 1758

"Plate V, from "Choix de Coquillages et de Crustacés", 1758, by Franz Michael Regenfuss is a meticulous hand-colored engraving depicting a collection of seashells. This intricate artwork, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Regenfuss's precise rendering and vibrant colors bring these shells to life, offering a glimpse into the history of natural history illustration and the fascination with marine life during the 18th century. "Choix de Coquillages et de Crustacés" was a series of engravings illustrating the world of shells and crustaceans, intended to educate and entertain a wide audience.