Birds · 18th century
€ 440
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. Edges unequally cut or damaged; a few light creases. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality.
This exquisite hand-colored engraving, titled 'Die Dunkle und Gefleckte Ente', illustrates the Dark and Spotted Duck (Anas fulcus maculatus) standing elegantly on a small mound beside a tranquil body of water. Part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s famed *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), this piece demonstrates Seligmann’s skill in translating the work of renowned naturalists, like George Edwards, into beautiful prints for an 18th-century German audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. XCIII," captures the intricate patterns of the duck’s plumage, with a striking combination of dark and spotted markings, highlighted by skillful hand-coloring. The subtle shading and reflections in the water add depth to the scene. The Latin and French titles, including *Le Canard brun tacheté*, underscore the print’s historical and scientific importance.
Ideal for collectors of antique ornithological prints or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history art, this engraving exemplifies Seligmann’s dedication to scientific detail and artistic elegance. His works remain highly valued for their precision and charm, making this Dark and Spotted Duck print a fine addition to any collection focused on rare bird illustrations.
