Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773
€ 660
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1773
Sheet size
37 × 25 cm (14.6 × 9.8 in)
Reference
BG-13987
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good. Vibrant colors, minimal fading. Paper shows light toning and minor foxing. Edges sharp; no tears, no folds. Slight handling marks, mostly outside platmark, not affecting image quality.
About this sheet
This finely detailed hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Kleinere Weiße Carolinische Reiher', features the Lesser White Heron (Ardea alba minor), set against a lush botanical background.
Created by Johann Michael Seligmann, an esteemed German engraver and natural history illustrator of the 18th century, this artwork is part of his renowned series 'Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel' (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds). Seligmann’s work was pivotal in bringing the illustrations of leading naturalists like Mark Catesby to a German audience, carefully adapted and enhanced for European collectors.
The engraving captures the heron with remarkable detail in both its feather texture and graceful posture, complemented by vibrant foliage that adds a touch of the bird’s natural habitat. The composition includes Latin and French inscriptions, with plate number "Tab. LIV," indicating its placement in Seligmann's extensive ornithological collection. Ideal for enthusiasts of historical natural history prints, this piece reflects Seligmann's dedication to both scientific accuracy and artistic elegance. His engravings are valued by collectors worldwide, making this a beautiful addition to any collection focused on avian or botanical illustrations.
