About this sheet
Meadow Pipit Bird Print – Alauda Pratensis from Nederlandsche Vogelen, 1809
This antique hand-colored engraving, titled ‘Alauda Pratensis’, depicts the meadow pipit (Dutch: graspieper, also known historically as gras-leeuwrik or madeliefje). The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small migratory passerine bird, breeding across northwestern Eurasia from Iceland and Greenland to Russia, and wintering as far south as North Africa and western Asia. It is a characteristic species of meadows, coastal grasslands, and uplands, known for its fine streaked plumage, slender build, and fluttering song flight.
The plate originates from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huishouding, aert en eigenschappen beschreeven (Amsterdam, 1770–1829), the first comprehensive ornithological work published in the Netherlands. This monumental series was a collaboration between naturalists Cornelis Nozeman and Martinus Houttuyn, with the Sepp family overseeing the production of plates. It was the first Dutch project to illustrate and describe all known native birds, each presented life-like and often close to life size, accompanied by descriptive text.
The accompanying original text pages (included here) offer further insights into the species. The Dutch names gras-leeuwrik and madeliefje are noted, with detailed observations of its physical features, size, plumage, song, and nesting behavior. Such elaborate accounts make this work invaluable for both natural history and the history of ornithology.
Condition: Very good. Minor toning and light spotting typical of 18th-century laid paper. Wide margins intact. Accompanied by the original descriptive text sheet.
Framing tips: This engraving would display beautifully in a natural wood or dark walnut frame, paired with a cream or soft green mount to complement the bird’s earthy tones. A gilt inner border would enhance the scientific elegance of the piece.
