Antique Bird Print of the female green Woodpecker by Langlois (1799)

Description: Antique print, titled: 'La femelle du Pic olive.' - This print shows the female green woodpecker. Plate 249. From a folio ed. of: 'Histoire naturelle d'une partie d'oiseaux nouveaux et rares de l'Amerique et des Indes : ouvrage destine par l'auteur a faire partie de son ornithologie d'Afrique.', by Francois Levaillant, published in parts in Paris,  by J.J. Fuchs, from 1799-1808. Levaillant is considered an important pioneer on African ornithology. Francois Levaillant travelled to South Africa where he made two expeditions into the interior in 1780-1784. The first went to the Great Fish River and the second one to the Orange River. The work, which was published in 51 parts, is Levaillant's most prominent work. It gives a comprehensive account of the birds of South Africa, based on Levaillant's personal experiences and the collections he made during his journeys in that region. Ref: Fine Bird Books p. 90; Anker 297, Nissen IVB, 555.

Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Jacques Louis Peree or C.M Fessart (printer Langlois)' after 'Jn. Lebrecht Reinold'. Engravers in this work: C.M. Fessard and J.L. Peree. Claude Mathieu Fessard (1740-18?) was a French engraver, and a student of Longeuil. He made landscapes, flower and animal engravings. Jacques Louis Peree (1769-1832) was an engraver, mainly known for the superb engravings he made after Barraband's designs. Printed by Langlois, the great master of colour printing who also supervised much of Redoute's best work. Artist: Johann Lebrecht Reinold (1744-1807). Author: Francois Levaillant (1753-1828). Francois Levaillant (1753-1824) was a French author, explorer, naturalist and ornithologist. He described many new species of African bird. He was born in Paramaribo as the son of a wealthy merchant.