Engraving of the Large Black Duck from Hudson's Bay by Johann Seligmann, ca.1770
€ 590
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-13973
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 striking hand-colored engraving, titled 'Die Große Schwarze Ente aus der Hudsons-Bay', features the Large Black Duck from Hudson's Bay (*Anas Canadensis major, niger*), depicted in a natural setting with lush foliage.
Created by Johann Michael Seligmann, a distinguished German engraver and illustrator, this piece is part of his *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds). Seligmann’s work brought the illustrations of pioneering naturalists like George Edwards to German audiences, preserving both scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.
This plate, numbered "Tab. L," presents the duck in vivid colors, with intricate details in its feathers, bill, and feet that demonstrate Seligmann’s skillful hand-coloring technique. The French title, *Le Gros Canard Noir de la Baye de Hudson*, and the Latin nomenclature emphasize the engraving’s historical and scientific value. The duck’s poised stance on a rock by the water’s edge, surrounded by verdant plants, adds a sense of the bird’s natural habitat.
A valuable piece for collectors of antique ornithological illustrations or those interested in 18th-century natural history art, this engraving exemplifies Seligmann’s commitment to merging scientific illustration with aesthetic appeal. His works remain highly prized for their accuracy and craftsmanship, making this a unique and desirable addition to any collection focused on vintage bird prints.
