Birds · 19th century
€ 350
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Age-related toning. Shows some wear, creasing and soiling. Blank verso. Please study images carefully.
Set of three original antique prints titled 'Zoologie, Ornithologie, Grimpeurs - Passereaux - Accipitres'. These prints show parrots, the black sicklebill, hoopoe, osprey and caracara. These prints originate from 'Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, Ornithologie', published between circa 1816 and 1830.
The complete Dictionnaire contains 60 volumes, and includes biographies of many important scientists. Charles Henri Frédéric Dumont de Sainte-Croix (April 27, 1758 – January 8, 1830) was a French zoologist. Dumont contributed articles on ornithology to the Dictionnaire des sciences naturelles (1804-30), edited by Frédéric Cuvier.
These ornithological prints are fascinating for several reasons:
1. **Historical Significance**: Produced between circa 1816 and 1830, they are from an era when natural history was becoming a serious scientific discipline. They contribute to the documentation of biological diversity at a time when many species were being formally described for the first time.
2. **Scientific Contribution**: These prints are part of a larger work that contains significant scientific descriptions. The "Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles" consists of 60 volumes which include not only illustrations but also important biographies of scientists, reflecting the breadth of knowledge during that period.
3. **Artistry and Accuracy**: The detail in these prints shows a high level of artistry that was typical of natural history illustrations of that era. These illustrations were not only artistic but also scientifically accurate, aiding in species identification and study.
4. **Birds Depicted**:
- **Parrots**: Known for their vivid colors, intelligence, and ability to mimic sounds, these birds have always captivated human interest.
- **Black Sicklebill**: This bird, with its impressive long curved beak and distinctive tail feathers, is known for its remarkable courtship display.
- **Hoopoe**: With its crown of feathers and long beak, the hoopoe is distinctive and has a place in many cultural mythologies and folklore.
- **Osprey**: A powerful raptor with a worldwide distribution, the osprey is unique among birds of prey for its diet of almost exclusively fish.
- **Caracara**: A bird of prey that is more terrestrial, the caracara is known for its intelligence, resourcefulness, and unique foraging behaviors.
5. **Charles Henri Frédéric Dumont de Sainte-Croix's Contribution**: As a French zoologist, Dumont contributed articles on ornithology to the dictionary, showcasing his expertise in the field. His work contributed to the foundational knowledge of bird species and their characteristics.
The combination of detailed illustrations and scientific knowledge encapsulated in these prints makes them special and of enduring value to both the scientific community and art collectors. They represent a confluence of scientific exploration and artistic representation during a significant period in the history of natural science.
