Soft River Tortoises — P. J. Smit

Two soft river tortoises inhabit a quiet freshwater landscape in this atmospheric natural history illustration by P. J. Smit. A large tortoise moves through the foreground shallows, its broad shell, spotted limbs and distinctive elongated head rendered in careful detail, while a second animal appears farther upstream.

Grasses and aquatic vegetation frame the water, with subtle reflections and a small crested bird adding depth to the scene. Muted olive, brown, ochre and cream tones retain the restrained character of historical zoological printing, while the strong vertical composition gives the original plate a particularly decorative presence.

Artwork Details

• Artist/Creator: P. J. Smit
• Title: Soft River Tortoises
• Original title: Soft River Tortoises
• Series: The Royal Natural History
• Date: 1893–1896
• Period: Late 19th century
• Place of Origin: London, England
• Medium: Printed natural history illustration

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.