Birds · 18th century
€ 580
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good. Vibrant colors, minimal fading. Paper shows light toning and minor foxing. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality.
This detailed hand-colored engraving, titled 'Die Langschwänzige Ente aus Neufundland und das Wasserhuhn mit Gespornten Flügeln', depicts two unique bird species: the Long-Tailed Duck (*Anas cauda longissima ex Newfoundland*) and the Spur-Winged Lapwing (*Pluvialis alis calcarea donatis*). This work is part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), which showcased the illustrations of prominent naturalists, such as George Edwards, to an 18th-century German audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. LXX," beautifully portrays the birds in a natural waterside setting, with the long-tailed duck standing gracefully on a stone near the water and the lapwing perched on a tree stump. The hand-coloring highlights the intricate plumage and distinctive features of each species, adding realism to their depiction. The French titles, *Le Canard à longue queue de Terre-Neuve et Le Pluvier à ailes éperonnées*, underscore the historical and scientific value of the print as an early record of these exotic birds.
Ideal for collectors of historical ornithological art or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history illustrations, this engraving exemplifies Seligmann’s dedication to accuracy and beauty. His works remain highly valued for their precision and charm, making this print a desirable addition to any collection focused on rare bird illustrations.
