Birds · 19th century
€ 170
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
condition with some foxing and age-related wear, consistent with its age and due to handling over 200 years, adding to its patina. Original hand-coloured. Study the images carefully.
This vibrant handcolored engraving from 1805 features six tropical bird species in stunning detail. The birds include:
1. Palm Crow (Corvus palmarum), known for its dark plumage.
2. Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), with its striking red body and black wings.
3. Blue-and-Red Tanager (Passerina cyanea), a dazzling blend of blue and red.
4. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), famous for its bright red color.
5. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (*Pheucticus ludovicianus*), with a rosy chest and contrasting wings.
6. Crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata), with its unique red crest and black-and-white body.
This engraving comes from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's celebrated "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), a 12-volume encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830 in Weimar, Germany. Bertuch's work, blending scientific accuracy with artistic beauty, aimed to educate young minds about the wonders of nature.
A perfect addition for collectors of ornithological art or historical natural history prints, this engraving captures the vibrant beauty of tropical birds while showcasing early 19th-century illustration techniques.
Condition: Good condition with minor foxing and slight toning typical for its age.
Keywords: Tropical birds, Tanager, Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Bertuch, Bilderbuch für Kinder, 19th-century engraving, ornithological art.
