The Elegance of the White Stork Engraved and in Original Hand-Coloring, 1794

About this sheet

This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving, hailing from the late 18th century, captures the serene grace of the White stork (Ciconia ciconia), also known by its older binomial nomenclature Ardea ciconia.

The image is a testament to the skillful work of William Hayes and Matilda Hayes, whose artistic prowess brought to life the avian subject from the collection at Osterly Park. Published in William Hayes' "Portraits of Rare and Curious Birds" in 1794 by Bulmer of London, this piece showcases the White stork in a stance of noble poise.

The bird's plumage is rendered with meticulous attention to the subtle gradations of color and texture, contrasting the soft whites and greys with the vivid red of its long bill and legs. Positioned on a small hillock beside a tranquil water body, surrounded by sparse vegetation, the stork stands out as a figure of calm elegance against the naturally toned background. The paper, rich with the patina of time, adds a historical depth that enhances the artwork's antique charm.

William Hayes (1735-1802)

The first edition, Rare and Curious Birds…in the Menagerie at Osterly Park, London, 1794-99, was the first published systematic record of a single private collection of live birds. Robert and Sarah Child, the owners of Osterley at that time, commissioned William Hayes to write and illustrate this work. A second edition, credited to “the late William Hayes, of Southall,” was posthumously “published for the benefit of his family.” They were Emily Hayes, Matilda Hayes, Anne Hayes - all engravers and colorists. This second edition was published in 1817:

Natural History Bird Studies from Portraits of the Curious Exotic Birds, which formerly composed the Osterly Menagerie William Bulmer and Co., London: 1817 (2nd ed.)