Birds · 18th century
€ 660
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. Edges sharp; no tears, no folds. Slight handling marks, mostly outside platmark, not affecting image quality.
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.
