Birds · 18th century
€ 130
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. Rough outside the platemark but image is fine. Contemporary hand-colouring. General age-related toning and occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scans carefully.
This is an hand-colored copperplate engraving by Robert Benard, part of the *Histoire Naturelle* from the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, circa 1790. The illustration features four exotic bird species, labeled in French, highlighting the fascination with bird species from tropical regions.
Birds Depicted (Translation and Descriptions):
1. Fig. 1: Le Verdole (Green-backed Trogon):
- This bird is likely a representation of a trogon, possibly the Green-backed Trogon (*Trogon viridis*), which is found in tropical forests in Central and South America, including the Amazon basin. Known for its vibrant green feathers on the back, the bird in the engraving displays a detailed and colorful appearance, with subtle hints of iridescence typical of trogons.
2. Fig. 2: Le Savana (Fork-tailed Flycatcher):
- This bird is the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (*Tyrannus savana*), found in Central and South America. The illustration shows the bird with its characteristic long, forked tail. This species is known for its graceful flight and distinctive appearance, especially during the breeding season when males display long tails.
3. Fig. 3: Le Moucherolle (Flycatcher):
- This could represent a type of flycatcher, a large family of birds found worldwide, known for their aerial insect-catching abilities. The flycatcher in the engraving is shown perched, with green and brown plumage. Its long tail feathers and slender build give it an elegant appearance.
4. Fig. 4: Le Babichon de Cayenne (Babichon of Cayenne):
- Likely representing a bird from the Cayenne region (French Guiana), this bird may be a variant of the thrush or a flycatcher, given its structure and posture. It is shown in the engraving with muted browns and greenish tones, perched on a branch in a typical posture.
Current Habitat and Conservation Status:
- Green-backed Trogon: Found in lowland tropical rainforests of South America, particularly in the Amazon, with stable populations.
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher: Widespread across Central and South America, particularly in open grasslands and savannas. It migrates between regions and is not currently endangered.
- Flycatcher: There are many species of flycatchers found in various habitats globally, from forests to grasslands. They are typically common, with no significant conservation concerns for most species.
- Babichon (Possibly a regional name): While its exact species isn't clear, it could belong to the thrush family or another bird group found in French Guiana. Its habitat would typically be tropical forests in the region.
Printmaking Technique:
The copperplate engraving technique continues to provide fine detail, especially in the depiction of the birds' feathers and postures. Hand-colored with watercolors, this engraving allows for a deeper appreciation of these tropical species, which would have been largely unfamiliar to European viewers in the late 18th century. The artistic accuracy in coloration and shape reflects the Enlightenment’s emphasis on both beauty and scientific precision.
This engraving would have been part of a larger project to document bird species from around the world, bringing exotic and colorful birds into the consciousness of European naturalists.
