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

Franz Sturm's 1830 Illustration of the Adult Male Rock Dove (Columba livia)

About the Item

This illustration depicts a pigeon (Columba livia), titled "Columba livia Briss. Mas adult" in Latin, which refers to the adult male rock dove or common pigeon. The artist's signature below reads, "Fr. Sturm ex nat. pinx. et sc. 1830." This translates to "Franz Sturm painted and engraved from nature in 1830," indicating that the artist created the work based on a real-life observation of the bird. Franz Sturm (also known as Friedrich Sturm) was a German natural history artist known for his detailed and precise illustrations of birds and other animals during the early 19th century. This hand-colored engraving is a fine example of his naturalistic style, contributing to the study of ornithology during the period. The date of 1830 gives a clear indication of when this particular print was created. The bird in the illustration, *Columba livia*, commonly known as the rock dove or rock pigeon, is a species native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic pigeon, and today, feral populations of rock pigeons are found in cities worldwide, often referred to simply as "pigeons." Here are some additional details about the bird: ### Physical Characteristics: - Size: Rock pigeons are medium-sized birds, typically 29–37 cm (11–15 inches) long with a wingspan of about 62–72 cm (24–28 inches). - Plumage: The typical wild rock pigeon has bluish-gray plumage, with iridescent shades of green and purple on the neck. They also have two black bands across their wings and a black-tipped tail. - Variations: Because of domestication and breeding, feral pigeons can show a wide range of color variations, from all white to all black or speckled. Behavior and Habitat: - Habitat: In the wild, rock doves prefer cliffs and rocky coastlines as nesting sites, which is why they adapted so easily to urban environments, using buildings as a substitute for natural cliffs. - Diet: They are primarily granivores, feeding on seeds and grains, but urban populations are opportunistic feeders, eating human scraps. - Nesting: Pigeons build simple nests from twigs and debris, usually in sheltered locations like cliffs or ledges in cities. - Flight: They are strong fliers, often seen in flocks, especially in urban areas. Historical Significance: - Domestication: Rock doves were among the first bird species to be domesticated. They have been bred for various purposes, including as food, messengers, and pets (like homing pigeons and fancy breeds). - Homing Instinct: Rock pigeons, especially those domesticated and bred for it, have a remarkable homing instinct, which humans have harnessed for thousands of years. They were used in ancient civilizations for delivering messages, and during both World Wars, pigeons were employed to carry military messages. Cultural and Symbolic Roles: - Symbolism: Pigeons, including the rock dove, are often associated with peace, love, and freedom. This is particularly the case for the white dove, a domesticated variety of the rock pigeon, often used as a symbol of peace. - Religious References: In various religious traditions, pigeons and doves are seen as sacred birds. For example, in Christianity, the dove represents the Holy Spirit. Conservation Status: The wild rock dove populations are considered to be under some pressure in their native habitats, but the widespread feral pigeon populations are abundant and not at risk. This particular species has adapted to urban life like few others, thriving in cities around the world where they have become an everyday sight.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.86 in (22.5 cm)Width: 5.32 in (13.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1830
  • Condition:
    Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13674-211stDibs: LU3054341540602

More From This Seller

View All
Franz Sturm's Illustration: a European Storm Petrel (Procellaria pelagica) 1830
Located in Langweer, NL
This illustration by Franz Sturm shows the female Procellaria pelagica, commonly known as the European storm petrel. The Latin inscription indicates this is the female specimen (L. F...
Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hummingbird Illustrations: Adult, Young Male, and Female by Huet & Prêtre, 1838
Located in Langweer, NL
This 19th-century ornithological illustration showcases three different hummingbirds, each meticulously detailed and labeled. The print, part of the "Nouveau recueil de planches colo...
Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Ornithological Illustration of the Adult Corbin Barbet (Barbu corbin), 1838
Located in Langweer, NL
This illustration features a bird labeled "Barbu corbin, adulte," which translates to "Adult Corbin Barbet." Description of the Print: - The bird is perched on a small branch, showc...
Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Chart of the US Adult Male Illiteracy in 1870, '1874'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique chart titled 'Map showing the illiteracy of the adult white male population. Compiled from the returns of population at the ninth census of the United States 1870'. Chart of the US adult male...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Rare Ornithological Illustration of the Male Dwarf Pigeon (Colombe naine), 1838
Located in Langweer, NL
This illustration features a bird labeled "Colombe naine, mâle," which translates to "Dwarf Pigeon, male." Description of the Print: - The bird is depicted perched on a small branc...
Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of the Rock Dove by Sepp & Nozeman, 1770
By J.C. Sepp, M. Houttuyn, Cornelius Nozeman
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Oenas, Vinago, Livia'. The rock dove, rock pigeon or common pigeon (Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons). In common usag...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

"Angelic Archers, " Poetry Booklet with Nude Male Cover Illustration by Scheibe
By Scheibe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and beautifully produced, this small booklet of poetry by Alfred Richard Meyer was published in 1921 with a stylized cover illustration by Richard Scheibe...
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Prints

Materials

Paper

Poster Print Graphic Hermann Sturm Exhibition 1961
Located in Rümmingen, BW
The posters and prints may display signs of aging, such as paper discoloration, tears, folds, and other imperfections. These pieces were part of an art collection owned by a German ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 15 Original Antique Prints of The Himalayas, India, circa 1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 15 prints of the Himalayas Steel engravings after Turner, Cox, Roberts, Allom etc. Published by Fisher 1830-1840. All dated. Unframed.
Category

Antique 1830s English Anglo-Indian Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Print Illustration of Various Types of Trees, framed
Located in Opole, PL
We present you one of the illustrations from the series printed from a book on various subjects. The graphic is closed in passe-portout and a wooden frame with glass. The price i...
Category

20th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Franz Xavier Lorenz Etching
Located in Sheffield, MA
Etching by V Franz Xaver Lorenz Rektorzik-Brunn 1793-1851 Etching 7 x 10.
Category

Antique 19th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Print Illustration of Antique Objects, walnut frame
Located in Opole, PL
We present you one of the illustrations from the series printed from a book on various subjects. The graphic is closed in passe-portout and a wooden frame with glass. The price ...
Category

20th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All