Antique Bird Print of the European storm-petrel by Sepp & Nozeman (1797)

Description: The bird in this illustration is labeled as Procellaria Pelagica, commonly known as the European storm-petrel. This species is a small seabird, predominantly black with a distinctive white rump and a slightly hooked black bill. In the print, there are two storm-petrels depicted. One bird is standing on a piece of driftwood floating on the water, while the other is shown mid-flight, perched on a small grassy stump above crashing waves. The illustration emphasizes their slender, sharp wings, ideal for gliding over ocean waters. The scene evokes a coastal or maritime setting, highlighting the birds' typical environment. This style of print, likely a copperplate engraving with hand-colored details, is characteristic of 18th-century natural history illustrations, capturing both the anatomical detail and natural habitat of the species.

This print originates from 'Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven", Amsterdam, 1770-1829 by C. Nozeman, M. Houttuyn and J.C. Sepp. This is the most important and first study in the Netherlands of ornithology at that time. The birds are depicted as they are in life, said to be depicted close to life sized and in their environment.

Original text page included.

Artists and engravers: This monumental work is associated with Christiaan Andreas Sepp, Jan Christiaan Sepp, Jan Sepp, Cornelis Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn and Coenraad Jacob Temminck.