Hand-Colored Engraving of the Great Red Finch by Johann Michael Seligmann, 1770
€ 640
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1770
Sheet size
37 × 25 cm (14.6 × 9.8 in)
Reference
BG-13966
Condition
good. Vibrant colors, minimal fading. Paper shows light toning and minor foxing. Edges sharp; no tears, no folds. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality. Please study the images carefully.
About this sheet
**Description:** This vibrant hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Größte Dickschabel', features the Great Red Finch (Rubicilla maxima Canadensis) perched on a branch of a fir tree, surrounded by detailed botanical elements and anatomical studies of its beak structure.
This work is part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s acclaimed *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), which adapted and enhanced illustrations by prominent naturalists like George Edwards for an 18th-century German audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. XVIII," presents the finch in a dynamic pose, highlighting the intricate pattern and texture of its red and black plumage. The composition includes studies of the bird’s unique beak structure, which emphasize Seligmann’s dedication to scientific precision. The French title, *Le gros Pinçon rouge*, alongside the Latin nomenclature, adds historical context to this print’s role in ornithological studies.
This piece is ideal for collectors of historical bird illustrations or enthusiasts of vintage natural history art. Seligmann’s engravings are celebrated for their accuracy and artistic finesse, making this Great Red Finch illustration a valuable addition to any collection focused on antique ornithological prints.
