Birds · 18th century
€ 570
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. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality.
This beautifully hand-colored engraving, titled *Die Ente mit dem Grauen Kopf*, showcases a serene depiction of the Duck with a Grey Head (*Anas Canadensis capite griseo-caeruleo*) floating gracefully on still waters. It originates from Johann Michael Seligmann’s celebrated work *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), which combined scientific accuracy and artistic excellence to present the world’s avian diversity.
The plate, numbered "Tab. XLIX," highlights the bird's intricate feather details, with its brown, white, and gray plumage vividly enhanced through skilled hand-coloring. The Latin and French titles, *Le Canard à la Tête Grise*, underline its significance as part of a cross-cultural exploration of natural history. The calm setting and lifelike rendering reflect Seligmann’s dedication to blending science and art in his collaboration with prominent naturalists like George Edwards.
This engraving is a perfect acquisition for collectors of antique ornithological prints or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history illustrations. Its timeless beauty and historical value make it a remarkable addition to any collection.
