Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1809
Mapmaker / artist
Cornelius Nozeman (Author),M. Houttuyn (Author),J.C. Sepp (Artist)
Sheet size
53.5 × 37 cm (21.1 × 14.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-05991/158
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
Very good. Clean sheet with mild, even age toning, few spots and strong plate impression. Original text pages present and very good, with mild toning and a few small scattered spots; two tiny holes in the margins, no tears or repairs.
This finely hand-colored engraving features the long-eared owl (Asio otus), known in Dutch as the “ransuil.” The artist captures the owl’s defining characteristics: its tall, upright ear tufts, striking orange eyes, and intricately patterned plumage of mottled browns and creams. The bird stands alert on a patch of grassy earth beside a single egg, reflecting its ground-nesting habits in sheltered locations.
The plate originates from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven (Amsterdam, 1770–1829), the first comprehensive ornithological work published in the Netherlands. Created by Cornelis Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn, and Jan Christiaan Sepp, this monumental series is celebrated for its scientific accuracy, naturalistic settings, and exquisite hand-coloring. Printed on laid paper, each plate was meticulously colored by hand, producing vivid yet harmonious tones that convey lifelike realism.
Distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America, the long-eared owl is a widespread and adaptable species within the typical owl family, Strigidae. The accompanying period text in Nederlandsche Vogelen provides fascinating insight into its behavior, diet, and seasonal habits as understood in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Highly sought after by collectors for its combination of historical, scientific, and artistic value, this plate is a fine example of Dutch natural history illustration at its peak.
Framing tips: Pair with a warm ivory or soft beige mount to complement the bird’s rich earth-toned plumage. A dark wood or antique gold frame will enhance the period character, while float-mounting can elegantly reveal the plate mark. UV-protective glazing is recommended to preserve the delicate hand-coloring.
