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Hand-Colored Engraving of Diverse Bird Species from Histoire Naturelle, 1790

About the Item

This hand-colored copperplate engraving by Robert Benard, part of the *Histoire Naturelle* from the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, circa 1790, showcases four striking bird species. Each bird is labeled in French, and the engraving highlights the diversity in plumage and form, making it both an artistic and scientific piece. Birds Depicted (Translation and Descriptions): 1. Fig. 1: Le Roi des fourmiliers (Antbird King): - This bird is likely a species of Antbird, known for its diet of ants and small insects, commonly found in tropical regions of Central and South America. The bird is depicted with dark, earthy tones and a distinctive patch near its eyes, showing the detailed feather patterning typical of the species. Antbirds are often found following army ant swarms, feeding on insects disturbed by the ants. 2. Fig. 2: Le Mainate (Common Hill Myna): - The Common Hill Myna (*Gracula religiosa*) is known for its glossy black plumage and bright yellow wattles around its head. It is native to South and Southeast Asia and is famous for its ability to mimic human speech. The engraving captures the bird's sleek body and characteristic yellow markings, emphasizing its vibrant and recognizable appearance. 3. Fig. 3: Le Jaseur de Bohême (Bohemian Waxwing): - The Bohemian Waxwing (*Bombycilla garrulus*) is a passerine bird found in northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is known for its soft plumage, crested head, and distinctive red and yellow wing markings. The engraving showcases the waxwing's elegant form and muted brown and pinkish coloring, which makes this species stand out. 4. Fig. 4: Le Cordon Bleu (Blue-capped Cordon-bleu): - This bird represents the *Blue-capped Cordon-bleu* (*Uraeginthus cyanocephalus*), a small finch native to sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its striking blue plumage and delicate features, the engraving shows the bird with a mixture of blue and gray feathers, accurately reflecting the vibrant and delicate nature of the species. These birds are common in dry savannas and bushlands. Current Habitat and Conservation Status: - Antbird (Roi des fourmiliers): Antbirds are found in tropical forests of Central and South America. Their populations are generally stable, although deforestation poses a threat to their habitat. - Common Hill Myna (Mainate): Native to Southeast Asia, this bird thrives in tropical and subtropical forests. Its population is currently stable, though some regions see declines due to the illegal pet trade. - Bohemian Waxwing (Jaseur de Bohême): Found in northern Europe, Asia, and North America, this bird migrates south in winter. Its population is stable, and it is not currently endangered. - Blue-capped Cordon-bleu (Cordon Bleu): This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in dry savannas. It is not considered endangered and is commonly found in its natural habitat. Printmaking Technique: This engraving was created using the copperplate engraving method, with delicate lines and detailed texturing to accurately depict the birds’ feathers, beaks, and body proportions. The hand-coloring adds vibrancy to the natural hues of the birds, highlighting the contrast between darker species like the Hill Myna and the soft, pastel tones of the Waxwing. The illustration's scientific accuracy would have made it a valuable educational tool during the Enlightenment. This particular plate emphasizes the global diversity of bird species, from the tropical rainforests of Asia to the boreal forests of northern Europe and the dry savannas of Africa, reflecting the fascination with the natural world that characterized the period.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.21 in (31 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1790
  • Condition:
    Condition: good, given age. Rough outside the platemark but image is fine. Contemporary hand-colouring. General age-related toning and occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scans carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13712-141stDibs: LU3054341463592

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