Birds · 19th century
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition considering its age, with slight overall toning and minor scattered foxing mainly in the margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs, and the hand colouring is vivid and clear.
Birds of Prey Print: Eagles, Falcons, Owls & Vultures – Antique 1867
This striking antique print depicts a variety of birds of prey including eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures, presented in fine hand-coloured engravings. It originates from the Atlas der Natuurlijke Geschiedenis voor scholen en huisgezinnen, adapted into Dutch by T.C. Winkler after Traugott Bromme, and published in Amsterdam by J.C. Loman in 1867. Designed as an educational illustration, this print taught students about raptor species diversity and their distinctive forms and behaviours.
The labelled figures include:
1. Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
2. Vulture (Vultur species)
3. Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
4. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
5. Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
6. Merlin (Falco columbarius)
7. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
8. Red kite (Milvus milvus)
9. White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
10. Sea eagle (Haliaeetus species)
11. Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
12. Little owl (Athene noctua)
13. Scops owl (Otus scops)
14. Eagle owl (Bubo bubo)
The engraving was created using copper engraving with delicate hand colouring, allowing fine anatomical lines and naturalistic feather patterns. Each raptor is shown perched on rocks or in their natural habitats, highlighting their hunting posture and species-specific features. Such prints were widely used in schools and libraries as essential teaching aids and decorative zoological illustrations before the era of photographic field guides.
Condition summary:
Good condition considering its age, with slight overall toning and minor scattered foxing mainly in the margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs, and the hand colouring is vivid and clear.
Framing tips:
Frame this bird of prey print in a dark wood, walnut, or black frame with a cream or off-white mount to enhance the detailed engraving and rich feather colouring. For a traditional setting, a gold frame adds antique warmth. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colours and prevent further toning. This antique ornithological print will enrich any bird art collection or natural history interior, bringing educational beauty and timeless decorative appeal to your space.
