Birds · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good. Outstanding bright and beautiful hand coloring.
Detailed illustration of poultry being attacked by a hawk. Here is a description of the entire print:
1. Setting: The scene is set in a rural or natural environment with lush greenery and a serene landscape. In the background, there is a cliff with what appears to be a castle or structure on top.
2. Main Elements:
- **Poultry**: There are several chickens, roosters, and chicks scattered throughout the scene. They exhibit various states of alarm and motion, suggesting panic and distress.
- **Predatory Birds**: A hawk is depicted swooping down from the sky, clearly the source of the poultry's distress. Another bird, possibly a swallow, is also shown flying nearby.
3. Foreground Details:
- The poultry are illustrated with intricate detail, showcasing their feathers, beaks, and claws. Chicks are shown huddling together or running, indicating their fear.
- The hawk is captured mid-dive, wings spread, with a menacing look as it approaches the flock.
4. Text:
- The text below the illustration is in two languages: German and English.
- **German**: "Die Hühner und der Raubvogel" which translates to "The Chickens and the Bird of Prey."
- **English**: "Poultry attacked by a Hawk."
5. Artists:
- The print is signed by "M. Hondekoeter pinx," indicating the original painting was by Melchior d'Hondecoeter, a Dutch painter known for his bird and poultry paintings.
- "A. H. Payne sc." indicates the engraving was done by A. H. Payne.
The scene captures the tension and dynamic movement of a sudden predator attack on a peaceful poultry flock.
Type of print: Steel engraving
Color: Original hand coloring
Engraver: Albert Henry Payne (1812-1902)
Painter: Melchior Hondekoeter (1636-1695)
Where published: Dresden
When published: Ca. 1860
Condition: Very good. Outstanding bright and beautiful hand coloring.
Image seize: 12,5 x 16,5 cm (ca. 4.9 x 6.5")
