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 exquisite hand-colored engraving, *Große weiße und schwarze Ente*, depicts a Large White and Black Duck (*Anas major albus et fuscus cum foemella*), resting gracefully on a rock beside a serene body of water. The background features its female counterpart in flight, adding a dynamic element to this serene composition. This plate, numbered "Tab. XCI," comes from Johann Michael Seligmann’s highly regarded *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds).
Combining the artistry of Seligmann’s engraving with the scientific precision of George Edwards’ studies, this work is both aesthetically captivating and scientifically significant. The vibrant hand coloring enhances the intricate details of the duck’s plumage, the textured rock, and the surrounding water, providing a vivid glimpse into 18th-century ornithology and artistic techniques.
This print, with its Latin and French annotations (*Le grand canard noir et blanc, avec la femelle*), reflects the international collaboration and widespread appeal of natural history during the Enlightenment. A perfect addition to any collection of antique ornithological works, its timeless beauty and cultural significance make it a treasure for connoisseurs of natural history and fine art alike.
