Ethnography · 18th century
€ 130
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. Rough outside the platemark but image is fine. Contemporary hand-colouring. General age-related toning and occasional minor defects from handling. A few small dirt spots. Please study scans carefully.
This is anexquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving by Robert Benard from the *Histoire Naturelle*, part of the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, published around 1790. The illustration features four birds, focusing on species with striking coloration and strong beaks, possibly from tropical or subtropical regions.
Birds Depicted (Translation and Descriptions):
1. Fig. 1: Le Gros Bec d'Afrique (African Grosbeak):
- This bird represents an African Grosbeak, characterized by its large, thick beak, ideal for cracking seeds. The engraving highlights its stout body and robust beak, commonly seen in grosbeak species. The species could be the *Thick-billed Seed Finch* (*Oryzoborus crassirostris*) or a similar bird found in Africa, adapted to a diet of seeds and grains.
2. Fig. 2: Variété du Gros Bec d'Afrique (Variant of the African Grosbeak):
- This variant of the African Grosbeak has darker plumage, with a more blue-gray body. The difference in coloration likely reflects regional or gender differences within the species. The bird's posture and prominent beak emphasize its seed-eating habits.
3. Fig. 3: L'Ortolan taché de bleu (Blue-spotted Ortolan):
- The Ortolan is a small songbird species from Europe, known for its distinctive coloring. This bird is depicted with intricate blue and brown markings, which could suggest a stylized or regionally distinct variety. The *Ortolan Bunting* (*Emberiza hortulana*) is a possible species being depicted, although the "blue-spotted" variation might refer to a different or symbolic coloration.
4. Fig. 4: L'Ortolan de Madagascar (Madagascar Ortolan):
- The Madagascar Ortolan could be a local or regional name for a finch-like bird found on the island of Madagascar. This bird's vibrant green and brown plumage is reflective of the diverse ecosystems found on the island. Madagascar is home to many endemic bird species, so this Ortolan might represent one of those unique species.
Current Habitat and Conservation Status:
- African Grosbeak: Grosbeaks are found across Africa, primarily in forests and grasslands where they feed on seeds. Their populations are generally stable, although habitat destruction can pose a threat.
- Ortolan Bunting: This species is native to Europe and Western Asia, with populations that migrate to Africa during winter. The bird is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting practices in some regions.
- Madagascar Ortolan: Likely an endemic species from Madagascar, where unique birdlife thrives in various habitats from rainforests to grasslands. Many species on the island face threats from habitat destruction.
Printmaking Technique:
The copperplate engraving technique continues to demonstrate its precision in depicting the intricate feather patterns, strong beaks, and natural postures of these birds. Hand-coloring with watercolors enhances the visual appeal, highlighting the subtle variations in plumage, particularly the contrast between the dark and vibrant colors. These engravings were highly detailed scientific works that also served as decorative and educational art.
This plate showcases birds from both Africa and Madagascar, highlighting the geographic diversity and unique species found in these regions. It represents the 18th-century European fascination with tropical and exotic fauna.
