Hand-Colored Engraving of the Horned Indian Pheasant by Johann Seligmann, c.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-13942
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
This beautiful hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Gehörnte Indianische Fasan', depicts the striking Horned Indian Pheasant (Phasianus cornutus Bengalensis), captured in a natural setting with botanical details, including pine branches and cones.
Part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s esteemed *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), this artwork brings the illustrations of renowned naturalists, such as George Edwards, to life for an 18th-century German audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. XI," showcases the pheasant’s elaborate plumage, adorned with fine white and red markings, and highlights the unique "horns" on its head, a defining characteristic of this exotic species. The hand-coloring adds depth and vibrancy, while the Latin and French titles, including *Le Faisan Cornu des Indes*, emphasize the historical and scientific significance of the print as an early study of Asian avian species.
This engraving is an ideal acquisition for collectors of antique ornithological prints or admirers of 18th-century natural history art. Seligmann’s dedication to accuracy and artistic finesse is evident in this work, making this Horned Indian Pheasant print a valuable and attractive addition to any collection focused on rare bird illustrations.
