Brent Goose – Antique Bird Engraving by Nozeman and Sepp, 1789

About this sheet

Brent Goose – Antique Bird Engraving by Nozeman and Sepp, 1789

This antique hand-colored copperplate engraving, titled ‘Anas, Bernicla’, depicts the brent goose (Branta bernicla), known in Dutch as rotgans. The brent goose is a migratory species of goose in the genus Branta, distinguished by its compact size, dark plumage, and white markings on the neck. It breeds in the high Arctic tundra and migrates south to winter along the coasts of Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of East Asia. The inset head study at the upper right provides additional scientific detail, a feature often included in this monumental ornithological series.

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. Written and compiled by Cornelis Nozeman and Martinus Houttuyn, and illustrated by the Sepp family, this groundbreaking project sought to describe and illustrate every bird known in the Netherlands. Each species was presented with remarkable accuracy, often close to life size, accompanied by extensive descriptive text.

This engraving captures the brent goose in profile, standing on grassy ground beside an egg, a detail that underscores its natural life cycle. The delicate hand-coloring emphasizes the bird’s dark plumage and subtle feather variations, while the scientific precision reflects the Enlightenment-era union of art and natural history. The accompanying Dutch text pages offer historical and scientific notes on the species, its behaviour, nesting, and characteristics as understood in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with Dutch names "rotgans, ringelgans" noted.

Condition: Very good. Slight toning, faint handling marks, and minor wrinkles. Plate mark visible, margins intact with one small edge tear. Accompanied by the original descriptive text sheet.

Framing tips: This engraving would be beautifully displayed in a dark wood or black frame, complemented by a cream or light grey mount to highlight the goose’s striking dark plumage. A thin gilt border would lend an added touch of refinement.