Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Bird Print of an American Goldfinch on a Branch Engraved and Hand-Colored, 1749

About the Item

The illustration showcases the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), formerly known as Carduelis Americanus, perched gracefully upon a leafy branch. It is a detailed 18th-century rendering that captures the vibrant yellow plumage of the male goldfinch, contrasted with its black wings and forehead. The bird is positioned amidst a botanical setting, likely intended to represent its natural habitat, with meticulous attention to the texture and form of the leaves and seed pods which may be from a thistle, a favored food source. German, Latin, and French nomenclatures are provided, reflecting the international interest in natural history during this period. The inscription "Cum Privilegio Sac. Caes. Majestatis" implies imperial privilege, suggesting this work was produced under royal patronage or exclusive rights. "Tab. LXXXVI" indicates that this piece is part of a larger series, being the 86th plate. The French phrase "Chardonneret de l'Amerique" and the German "Der amerikanische Stieglitz" both translate to the common name of the bird in their respective languages, emphasizing its American origin. The quality of the image, with its fine lines and hand-colored detail, suggests it was likely produced through engraving or etching, a prevalent method of the time for high-quality illustrations. This piece serves both as a scientific document and a work of art, characteristic of the Enlightenment's pursuit of knowledge and beauty. This ornate botanical and ornithological illustration is indicative of the works associated with Johann Michael Seligmann, who was known for his elaborate collections based on George Edwards's natural history studies. Edwards, often referred to as the "father of British ornithology", was renowned for his detailed and pioneering work in the study and illustration of birds. The artwork beautifully portrays the American Goldfinch, or "Spinus tristis", in its naturalistic setting, exhibiting the rich, hand-colored vibrancy typical of the period. The bird is depicted with botanical accuracy, positioned amongst foliage and seed pods that not only serve as a realistic habitat representation but also likely provide an insight into the bird's dietary preferences. The trilingual labels — in German, Latin, and French — reflect the widespread appeal and scholarly nature of Seligmann's work, catering to an educated European audience with an interest in the natural world of the Americas. The plate number and the privilege notation signify the image's place within a larger collection and denote the exclusive rights granted for its reproduction, a common practice in the 18th century that helped protect the work of artists and naturalists. Seligmann's renditions were celebrated for enhancing Edwards's original work with his own stylistic touches, often adding a baroque flair to the already detailed English engravings. Such images were integral in spreading the knowledge of new species discovered in the New World to the Old World's scientific community and the interested public.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1740-1749
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1749
  • Condition:
    Good. General age related toning, foxing and soiling, mostly in the margins. A brownish hue on the platemark, due to aging and having been framed or matted in the past. One edge cut rough. Study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13674-91stDibs: LU3054338317382

More From This Seller

View All
Original Hand-Colored Bird Print of an Oilbird and a Crested Swift
Located in Langweer, NL
"Martinet coiffe" translates to "Crested Swift" in English. The Crested Swift is a bird species known for its distinctive crested appearance, often found in various parts of Africa a...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Decorative Old Hand-Colored Bird Print of an Ostrich and Cassowary
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: ‘1. STRUTHIO CAMELUS – AUTRUCHE, 2. CASUARIUS GALEATUS – CASOAR.’ Translated: 1. OSTRICH, 2. CASSOWARY.’ Engraving with original hand colouring, heightened with arabic gum o...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Large Green Parrot of The West Indies Hand-Colored and Engraved, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
This is an 18th-century hand-colored engraving from Johann Michael Seligmann's collection, displaying a parrot species. Here’s the transcription and translation of the visible text: ...
Category

Antique 1740s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Lesser Grey Shrike Bird in a Hand-Colored Engraving, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
The illustration is indicative of the works that emerged from the collaborations and influences of the 18th-century naturalists like George Edwards and Johann Michael Seligmann. Geor...
Category

Antique 1740s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand Colored Antique Bird Print of Parrots
Located in Langweer, NL
Untitled bird print of parrots. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1860.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Old Hand-Colored Bird Print of Two Eagles and an Eagle Claw, 1657
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print of two eagles and an eagle claw. This print originates from 'Historiae Naturalis De Avibus Libri VI' by John Johnston, published by Matthias Merian in 1657. Artis...
Category

Antique 1650s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Set of Four Hand Colored Humming Bird Prints
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here are four framed hand colored humming bird species published in the early 20th century representing the original 19th century work of Scottish naturalist, Sir William Jardine. Presented under glass with marbleized mating...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Prints

Materials

Hardwood

Set Of 4 European Hand Colored Prints Of Birds From 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 European Hand Colored Prints of Birds from 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pré...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 European Hand Colored Prints of Birds from 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pr...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 European Hand Colored Prints of Birds from 1830
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of 4 hand colored birds prints, from 1830. By Comte, Achille Joseph (1802-1866), "Keepsake d´histoire naturelle. Description des oiseaux. Suivie d´un exposé de l art de les pr...
Category

Antique 1830s French Biedermeier Prints

Materials

Paper

Print, Hand-Colored, Copperplate, Engraved, Custom House, William Maitland
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
In original condition. Page 624, 'The History of London from its Foundation by the Romans to the Present Time', by William Maitland, published in 1739...
Category

Antique 1730s British George II Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All