Le Geai varié (The Varied Jay): A 19th-Century Hand-Colored Bird Print

This captivating antique bird print, entitled "L'Hirondelle à ventre blanc", is a remarkable representation of the white-bellied Caribbean martin (Progne dominicensis), a species admired for its size and grace among the swallow family. It stands out as a collectible artwork from the historical compendium "Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrionale" by the ornithological innovator Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, published circa 1807. The artistry involved in this print is exemplary of early 19th-century techniques, with the original illustration by J.G. Pretre being skillfully engraved by L. Bouquet. The color printing, executed by Langlois, has been further enhanced by hand-finishing, a testament to the artisanship of the time and a quality highly prized by collectors. A perfect amalgamation of natural history and art, this print captures the white-bellied Caribbean martin in stunning detail, from its glistening feathers to its contemplative gaze. The fine detail and the bird's animated posture provide a lifelike presence, reflecting Vieillot's progressive approach to ornithology — studying birds in their natural habitats, living and breathing, rather than as static museum specimens. As a treasured addition to any antique print collection...

This rare original handcolored print includes detailed illustrations of birds, and there is text at the bottom that serves to identify each bird depicted. Here's the transcribed text...

Antique bird print titled 'Le Tyran à huppe rousse'. Original antique print of a kingbird species. This print originates from 'Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de l'Amérique septentrio...

Handcolored 1805 Engraving of European Birds from Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving from 1805 features six European bird species in...

Johann Seligmann Bird Print, Le Merle Rofette, Tab XXXIX After George Edwards circa 1770 The Johann Seligmann engraving of Le Merle Rofette, Tab XXXIX is mounted in a decoupa...

Johann Seligmann Bird Engraving, Tab XLIX, Le Loriot a tete noires Indes, 1770s The Johann Seligmann engraving from the French Edition was hand-colored at publication and is now m...

Mr John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) ...

Mr John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) ...