About this sheet
Original Antique Print of Seven Robins, Bluethroats and Yellowthroats by Bertuch, 1796
Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting seven beautifully colored robins, bluethroats and yellowthroats, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” in Weimar in 1796.
The plate is titled “Vögel XX / Oiseaux XX” and contains seven individually numbered birds. Bertuch grouped these birds as “Roth-, Blau- und Gelbkehlchen,” reflecting their strikingly colored throats and breasts. The accompanying historical description identifies species including the Common Robin, American Robin, Common Bluethroat, American Bluethroat and Yellowthroat.
Among the historical identifications recorded for the plate are:
Common Robin — historically Motacilla rubecula
American Robin — historically Motacilla rubecula carolinensis
Common Bluethroat — historically Motacilla suecica
American Bluethroat — historical American form of the bluethroat
Yellowthroat — historically Motacilla pensilis
These names should be understood as Bertuch-era classifications. Ornithological taxonomy has changed considerably since the late 18th century, and several of the historical names do not correspond directly to the modern species bearing similar English names.
The seven birds are shown individually perched on small branches. Their plumage ranges from restrained brown and black to brilliant blue, yellow, orange and red, allowing the different throat and breast markings to be compared.
The engraving is signed “Jacob Hauer Schmuzer” at lower right. The delicate original hand coloring remains particularly appealing, with strong blue and orange-red areas contrasting against the darker wings and backs.
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, covering zoology, botany, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Engraver:
Jacob Hauer Schmuzer
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Vögel XX / Oiseaux XX
Subject:
Robins, Bluethroats and Yellowthroats
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Publisher:
Industrie-Comptoir
Date of Manufacture:
1796
Period:
Late 18th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning with scattered foxing, spotting and minor marks. Some marginal wear and small edge irregularities. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive, particularly the blue, yellow, orange and red plumage. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique hand-colored engraving from 1796, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Other companion bird and natural-history plates from Bertuch’s “Bilderbuch für Kinder” are also available separately.
Keywords:
antique bird print, robin print, bluethroat print, yellowthroat print, Motacilla rubecula, Motacilla suecica, Motacilla pensilis, seven birds, colorful songbirds, antique ornithology, bird engraving, natural history print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Hauer Schmuzer, hand colored engraving, 1796
