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. Few creases in the right top. Please study scans carefully.
This engraving is a hand-colored copperplate print by Robert Benard, part of the *Histoire Naturelle* from the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, circa 1790. The birds shown here belong to the Pluvier (Plover) family, which are wading birds typically found near water.
Birds Depicted (Translation and Descriptions):
1. Fig. 1: Le Pluvier à collier (Collared Plover):
- This bird likely refers to the Collared Plover (*Charadrius collaris*), a small species of plover found in parts of South America, particularly near riverbanks and coastal areas. The bird is recognizable by its distinct white collar and brownish back, as depicted in the engraving. The bird is standing on a rock, emphasizing its typical coastal or riverine habitat.
2. Fig. 2: Le Pluvier huppé (Crested Plover):
- This bird could correspond to a species of Crested Lapwing, known for its elongated legs and a small crest on its head. Lapwings are found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, typically in wetlands or grasslands. The engraving shows the bird with a distinctive posture and a slightly raised crest.
3. Fig. 3: Le Pluvier couronné (Crowned Plover):
- This bird resembles the Crowned Lapwing (*Vanellus coronatus*), found across Africa, particularly in open savannas and grasslands. The bird's plumage features a black crown and striking markings, which are emphasized in this detailed engraving.
4. Fig. 4: Le Pluvier à lambeaux (Rufous-chested Dotterel):
- This bird likely refers to the Rufous-chested Dotterel (*Charadrius modestus*), a species found in South America, particularly in Patagonia. The engraving shows the bird with an open beak, possibly indicating its call or song. This species inhabits grasslands and sometimes coastal areas.
Current Habitat and Conservation Status"
- Collared Plover: Found across South American coastal and river habitats, with stable populations.
- Crested Plover/Lapwing: Found in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia in wetland and grassland areas, with varying conservation statuses depending on the region.
- Crowned Plover: Common in African savannas and grasslands, with no significant conservation concerns.
- Rufous-chested Dotterel: Found in the Patagonian region, with stable populations, often in coastal or grassland areas.
Printmaking Technique:
The copperplate engraving technique used here is the same as in the previous images, with the engraving itself capturing the fine details of the birds’ feathers, beaks, and environments. The hand-colored watercolors bring these exotic birds to life, making them visually captivating for an 18th-century audience. This piece would have been part of a broader effort to document global biodiversity for European naturalists and collectors.
The artistic style of this plate emphasizes the elegance and unique characteristics of each bird, while their delicate coloration suggests a scientific precision that complements the artwork's aesthetic beauty.
