About this sheet
Rare 1769 India Sheep & Ram Trio – Hand-Coloured Buffon Engravings Set
This exceptional trio of hand-coloured engravings of Indian sheep and rams comes from the scarce 1769 Amsterdam Dutch edition of Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle, one of the greatest natural history publications of the Enlightenment. The set includes La Brebis des Indes (Plate XXXVI), Le Bélier des Indes (Plate XXXIV), and Autre Bélier des Indes (Plate XXXV). Together, they present a complete visual study of several distinctive Indian breeds known for their adaptability, long limbs, unique coats, and characteristic facial structure.
All three plates were drawn by Jacques de Sève, Buffon’s principal artist, whose elegant linework and refined observation shaped the visual identity of the entire zoological series. The Amsterdam edition is particularly admired for its warm, careful hand colouring, and this set is an excellent example. Each sheet displays soft earth tones, subtle shading in the sky, and finely modulated browns in the wool that preserve the natural appearance of the animals while giving the compositions a decorative charm well suited for modern interiors.
Plate XXXVI, the Indian ewe, shows a long-bodied, slender sheep with a smooth coat and graceful proportions, set against a lightly atmospheric landscape with palm trees and distant ruins. Plate XXXIV, the ram, features a standing male with a calm expression and reddish-brown coat, and a background of domed Indian architecture that evokes a sense of geographic identity. Plate XXXV, the second ram, is the most dramatic: heavier in build, richly textured wool, and more monumental posture, placed before ancient temple structures reminiscent of classical Indian complexes.
The trio has remarkable visual coherence: matching plate borders, complementary foregrounds, and harmonious colouring. When displayed together, the three compositions form a balanced and historically valuable ensemble that appeals to both collectors and interior designers. They offer an elegant mixture of zoological accuracy and 18th-century exoticism, reflecting the Enlightenment’s fascination with Asia and its animal breeds.
Condition report:
Very good overall condition. Clean sheets with wide margins and strong plate impressions. Light age toning and occasional small foxing spots, mostly near the margins. Hand colouring fresh and bright. No tears, repairs, or stains affecting the images. Paper retains the texture and character of 18th-century laid stock.
Framing tips:
Frame the trio as a symmetrical set, using matching mats and frames. Cream or warm ivory mats pair well with the colouring. Natural oak or walnut frames enhance the earth tones, while thin black frames provide a cleaner contemporary look. Floating the sheets also highlights the beautiful margins and plate marks.
Keywords:
Buffon India sheep
1769 Amsterdam edition
Jacques de Sève engravings
hand coloured natural history
Le Bélier des Indes
La Brebis des Indes
antique zoological prints
18th century animal art
decorative exotic livestock
museum quality natural history prints
