Birds · 19th century
€ 550
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good. Light age-related toning and minor spotting, typical of 18th-century laid paper. Wide margins and plate mark well preserved.
Eurasian Skylark – Antique Bird Engraving by Nozeman and Sepp, 1809
This antique hand-colored copperplate engraving, titled ‘Alauda Maculata’, depicts the Eurasian skylark (Dutch: bonte leeuwerik), a bird celebrated for its melodic and continuous song delivered high in the sky. The skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a small passerine widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It inhabits open grasslands, meadows, and farmland, where its camouflaged streaked plumage makes it nearly invisible on the ground until it bursts into its characteristic soaring flight.
The print originates from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huishouding, aert en eigenschappen beschreeven (Amsterdam, 1770–1829), the monumental first ornithological study published in the Netherlands. Initiated by Cornelis Nozeman and later expanded by Martinus Houttuyn, this ambitious project was realized with the artistic expertise of the Sepp family. Each species was illustrated with remarkable attention to accuracy and natural posture, often at near life size, accompanied by extensive descriptive text.
This engraving captures the skylark both in song flight and perched, emphasizing its speckled plumage and typical behavior. The inclusion of two postures adds to the scientific value of the plate, while the delicate hand-coloring highlights the fine brown streaking and subtle feather details. Such engravings served both as a scientific record and as decorative works of art, bridging natural history with visual culture in the Enlightenment period.
The accompanying Dutch text pages offer historical and scientific notes on the species, its behaviour, nesting, and characteristics as understood in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with Dutch names "bonte of gevlakte leeuwrik" noted.
Condition: Very good. Light age-related toning and minor spotting, typical of 18th-century laid paper. Wide margins and plate mark well preserved.
Framing tips: This engraving would look elegant in a classic oak or walnut frame with a cream or pale green mount, enhancing the earthy tones of the bird. A gilt inner line would add refinement, drawing attention to the skylark’s graceful depiction.
