Narwhal, Manatee and Friends, Exquisite Early 19th Century Watercolor

I went back to my source in Germany to scoop up another handful of these gorgeous c. 1840s zoological watercolors, having sold the last several I had quickly. This is not a hand-colored engraving, it is an original, gorgeously executed ink and watercolor drawing, c. 1840s. Whether made in advance of, or after, an engraving for a zoological volume I am not certain--whatever the case, quite marvelous and with the fine execution amplifying a sense of wonder at creatures already quite wondrous! Here a Narwahl at top, then porpoise, Steller's sea cow (extinct) and West Indian Manatee, I believe. Beautiful rendering, magical creatures. 

Approx 10 3/4 x 8 1/4. Very good condition, and much much richer and more special in hand.