Chamae 1784

"Chamae" is a hand-colored etching by Friedrich Heinrich Wilhelm Martini from 1784. The artwork, depicting a pair of "Steck-Müscheln" (meaning "pinna" or "pen shells") is a detailed and scientifically accurate representation of marine life. Typical of Martini's work, it offers a clear and precise view of the subject, emphasizing its anatomical characteristics. This etching is part of Martini's larger work, the "Neues Systematisches Conchylien-Cabinet" (New Systematic Cabinet of Shells), a significant contribution to the field of natural history illustration during the 18th century.