Der Albatros - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Albatross by Johann Seligmann, 1770
€ 690
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1770
Sheet size
37 × 25 cm (14.6 × 9.8 in)
Reference
BG-13963
Condition
good. Vibrant colors, minimal fading. Paper shows light toning and minor foxing. Edges sharp; no tears, no folds. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality. Please study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This rare hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Albatros', features the majestic Albatross (*Albatros maxima*), depicted with its distinctive broad wings and powerful beak. This piece is part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s celebrated *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), a renowned series that brought the illustrations of prominent naturalists like George Edwards to a German-speaking audience. Seligmann's engravings are notable for their blend of scientific detail and artistic beauty.
The plate, numbered "Tab. LXXI," captures the albatross in fine detail, with a lifelike representation of its plumage and robust build. The hand-applied colors emphasize the bird’s striking features, while the landscape elements in the background add context to its natural habitat. The French title, *L’Albatros*, and the Latin nomenclature underscore the print’s historical significance as a piece of scientific illustration.
This engraving is a perfect acquisition for collectors of antique ornithological art or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history. Seligmann’s dedication to accuracy and elegance is evident in this work, making it a treasured addition to any collection focused on vintage bird illustrations.
