Birds · 19th century
€ 130
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition with vibrant hand-coloring. Minor age-related foxing and slight toning around the edges, typical of its era.
Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) and Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) with Nest and Eggs, 1805 Charming Engraving by Bertuch
This delightful handcolored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805, captures the beauty of avian life. It features two bird species attending to their nests in a charming display of natural history and artistic detail.
- Figure 1 illustrates a pair of birds perched on a mossy branch, guarding a nest filled with vivid green eggs, nestled amidst foliage. The careful rendering of the birds’ delicate feathers and their attentive posture adds a lifelike quality.
- Figure 2 showcases another pair of birds, one perched nearby and the other tending to a nest filled with speckled eggs. The intricately woven nest rests on a network of twigs, highlighting the natural craftsmanship of these small creatures.
Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder*, a monumental 12-volume encyclopedia created for children, is celebrated for its 1,200 engraved plates spanning natural history, science, mythology, and costume. This particular engraving is a testament to Bertuch’s dedication to educating and inspiring curiosity about the natural world.
Condition Report:
Very good condition with vibrant hand-coloring. Minor age-related foxing and slight toning around the edges, typical of its era.
Framing Tip:
This piece would shine in a natural wood or antique-style frame with a light cream mat, ideal for emphasizing its botanical and historical charm. Consider UV-protective glass to safeguard its colors from fading.
