About this sheet
This set of three beautifully detailed hand-colored engravings depicts various species of pigeons from across the world, originally illustrated by George Edwards and later republished by Johann Michael Seligmann in his renowned ornithological work Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), which was produced between 1749 and 1776.
Seligmann's edition features Edwards' original illustrations, re-engraved and enhanced with Latin, French, and German titles, making them accessible to a wider European audience.
1. Columba striata – The Barred Pigeon (Le Pigeon barré, Die Quer gestreifte Taube)
This engraving depicts the Barred Pigeon with its distinctive barred or striped wings and back. Its bluish head and pinkish breast give it a vibrant, natural look. Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines, the Barred Pigeon typically inhabits forested areas.
2. Columba indica – The Green-winged Pigeon (Le Pigeon à l’aile verte, Die grün geflügelte Taube)
The Green-winged Pigeon is shown with a stunning display of vibrant red and green plumage. This striking bird, native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, is typically found in dense forests. The delicate shading and fine detail of its feathers highlight the skill of both Edwards’ original drawing and Seligmann’s engraving.
3. Columba macroura – The Long-tailed Pigeon (Le Pigeon à longue queue, Die langgeschwänzte Taube)
The Long-tailed Pigeon is depicted with soft brown plumage and a distinctive long tail. Found mainly in the Americas, this pigeon is known for its graceful appearance and mournful cooing. Seligmann’s engraving captures the bird’s subtle feather patterns and elegant form with impressive accuracy.
Each print is part of the Seligmann edition of Edwards’ pioneering works A Natural History of Uncommon Birds (1743-1751) and Gleaning of Natural History (1758-1764), which have since become some of the most important ornithological and artistic references of the 18th century. Edwards is celebrated as “The Father of British Ornithology” for his contribution to both science and the art of natural history illustration.
These engravings are produced using copperplate etching, a method where the image is engraved onto a copper plate, printed, and then hand-colored with fine watercolors. Seligmann’s work is known for its vivid and long-lasting colors, with the original hand-coloring still bright after more than 250 years.
The prints have strong plate marks, excellent paper quality with chain-lining, and minimal foxing—remarkable for their age.
The Seligmann edition, combining scientific rigor with artistic mastery, has made these engravings rare and highly sought after by collectors. These works are in excellent condition, providing a vivid glimpse into the world of ornithology as it was studied and appreciated during the Enlightenment.
This set is a valuable and visually captivating example of 18th-century natural history illustration.
