Birds · 19th century
€ 370
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Minor wear and foxing, blank verso. Please study image carefully.
Antique bird print titled 'Le Tyran pipiri'. Large old bird print of a tyrant flycatcher species. Exact species to be determined. This print originates from 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrionale' by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot published circa 1807. After J.G. Pretre by L. Bouquet, printed in colors by Langlois and finished by hand. The work contains descriptions of many North American birds. Vieillot was a pioneer in a new kind of ornithology in which birds were no longer assessed as specimens and skins but studied as living organisms within their environment.
This handcolored print, entitled 'Le Tyran piperiv', illustrates the Vermilion Flycatcher, scientifically named 'Tyrannus pipiri'. The bird is shown in profile perched on a branch, turned slightly towards the viewer. It boasts a sophisticated palette of colors, with the top of its head characterized by a vivid vermilion red, standing out against the soft grays of its back and wings. The underparts are a paler shade, providing a gentle contrast to the darker upper body. The bird's eyes are keen and detailed, and its bill is rendered in fine, sharp detail, capturing the essence of this species' active hunting style.
The printing technique reflects a high level of artistry, with precise hand coloring that enhances the bird's delicate features. This print is marked as 'pl. 44', indicating its position within the series, and the names 'Pretre pinx', 'Langlois sculp.', and 'Bouquet' are also inscribed, denoting the painter, engraver, and possibly the artist who colored the print respectively.
As for its condition, the print shows notable foxing and some stains, common in paper of this age, which can be seen across the sheet. The paper itself has yellowed slightly, suggesting that it has been well-preserved but not without the expected signs of time. The print's corners and edges appear to be intact with minimal wear. The image and text remain crisp and legible, retaining the print's historical and aesthetic value despite the aging process. Overall, this piece is a well-preserved example of early 19th-century ornithological art, balancing scientific accuracy and visual elegance.
