Long-Tailed Black-Headed Hummingbird and Butterfly Engraving by Seligmann, 1770
€ 520
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1770
Sheet size
37.3 × 24 cm (14.7 × 9.4 in)
Reference
BG-14005-4
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. Some minor handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality and a light vertical crease. One strip of tape on reverse for support.
About this sheet
This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled "Avis mellivora macroura capite nigro" (Long-Tailed Hummingbird with Black Head) and "Le Colibri à tête noire et longue-queue," features a striking depiction of a long-tailed green hummingbird alongside a magnificent black-and-yellow striped butterfly.
The hummingbird is perched gracefully on a gnarled tree branch, its slender, elongated tail feathers cascading down the composition, creating a sense of movement and elegance. The accompanying butterfly, intricately detailed, adds a touch of vibrancy to the naturalistic scene.
Part of Johann Michael Seligmann's Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), this engraving is a testament to 18th-century scientific artistry. Seligmann, a skilled engraver, adapted the works of George Edwards and other prominent naturalists to produce visually stunning and scientifically accurate illustrations. His expert hand-coloring brought the subjects to life, enhancing their appeal to collectors and natural history enthusiasts.
This piece is distinguished by its remarkable attention to detail and dynamic composition. The elongated tail feathers of the hummingbird, juxtaposed with the butterfly's vibrant patterns, highlight the diversity of forms in nature. The precise rendering of the bird's iridescent plumage and the botanical elements creates a visually captivating artwork that is both scientifically valuable and aesthetically pleasing.
This engraving is ideal for collectors of antique natural history prints, art enthusiasts, and those seeking to showcase the intricate beauty of 18th-century scientific artistry in their collections or decor.
