Items Similar to The Lesser Grey Shrike Bird in a Hand-Colored Engraving, 1749
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
The Lesser Grey Shrike Bird in a Hand-Colored Engraving, 1749
About the Item
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. George Edwards was an English naturalist and ornithologist, known as the "father of British ornithology". He produced a number of works that were richly detailed with illustrations of birds and animals, many of which were later reproduced or reinterpreted by other artists and naturalists across Europe.
Johann Michael Seligmann was a German engraver and natural history illustrator who is well known for his contributions to ornithological art. One of his notable works was the re-engraving and coloration of plates from Edwards's "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" and "Gleanings of Natural History", enhancing them with his own artistic style and European scientific observations.
This original handcolored engraving is a fine example of this cross-cultural scientific exchange and the detailed, ornate style of natural history illustration that was prevalent in the 18th century. The careful attention to the birds' features, the vibrant coloring, and the inclusion of the plants in the composition are characteristic of the period's emphasis on both scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty. Seligmann's collections were instrumental in disseminating knowledge of exotic species throughout Europe and remain valued for their historical and artistic merit.
The text on the engraving is in three different languages, each providing the name for the bird depicted:
1. German: "Der kleine Würger" - Translates to "The little strangler", which is likely referring to the Lesser Grey Shrike's hunting behavior, as shrikes are known for impaling their prey on thorns or barbed wire.
2. Latin: "Lanius minimus" - This is the scientific name for the Lesser Grey Shrike. In binomial nomenclature, the first part of the name (Lanius) refers to the genus, which includes shrikes, and the second part (minimus) means "smallest" or "least", denoting this as a smaller species within the genus.
3. French: "La petite Pie-grièche" - This translates to "The little shrike". "Pie-grièche" is the French term for shrikes, which are known as butcher birds because of their habit of impaling prey.
The text at the bottom provides additional context:
- The text "Cum Priv. Sac. Caes. Majest." indicates that the work was made with the privilege (permission) of the Sacred Imperial Majesty, suggesting that it was officially sanctioned and perhaps even sponsored or protected by the royal authority at the time.
- The initials "N.51" likely refer to the plate number within the collection or book from which this illustration is taken.
- "Tab. V." could denote "Table V" or "Tafel V", indicating this image might be from the fifth table or plate series in the collection.
- "E. Seligmann excud." - "Excudit" is Latin for "he/she made it". This is the mark of the engraver, indicating that Seligmann engraved the plate.
The illustration's style, the scientific precision of the birds, and the use of multiple languages for the titles were common in natural history works of the 18th century, which were often intended for an international audience of both scientists and lay enthusiasts.
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 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. Original colors still very vivid and vibrant. General age related toning, foxing and soiling, especially in the margins. Two larger creases in the lower right. Study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13674-81stDibs: LU3054338315542
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,452 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllOriginal Antique Hand-Colored Engraving of The Fox-Colored Thrush, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
A beautiful hand-colored engraving from Johann Michael Seligmann's collection, which was based on the earlier works of George Edwards.
The text on this image is in German, Latin, a...
Category
Antique 1740s Prints
Materials
Paper
$640 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Der Kleinere Weiße Carolinische Reiher - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century
This finely detailed hand-colored engravin...
Category
Antique 1770s Prints
Materials
Paper
$612 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand-Colored Engraving of Shrike Species from the Caribbean and Southeast Asia
Located in Langweer, NL
This hand-colored copperplate engraving by Robert Benard, part of the *Histoire Naturelle* from the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, circa 1790, depicts four distinct species of birds labe...
Category
Antique 1790s Prints
Materials
Paper
$120 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Bird Print of the Great Grey Shrike in Stunning Colors, 1927
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Lanius Excubitor'. Old bird print depicting the great grey shrike. This print orginates from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade' by Magnus von...
Category
20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$129 Sale Price
20% Off
Engraving of The American Tit Bird with Yellow Throat in Old Handcoloring, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
The image is an ornate botanical and ornithological illustration from one of Johann Michael Seligmann's collections, which were based on George Edwards's natural history studies.
Th...
Category
Antique 1740s Prints
Materials
Paper
$640 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Antique Bird Print of the Great Grey Shrike by Von Wright, 1927
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Lanius Excubitor'. Old bird print depicting the great grey shrike. This print orginates from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade' by Magnus von...
Category
Early 20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$92 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Three Antique Hand Colored Engravings of Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three 18th century hand colored engravings of parrot specimens as depicted by Peter Brown, an artist and naturalist, working in London England. Originally published in 1776 in a foli...
Category
Antique 18th Century English British Colonial Prints
Materials
Paper
$4,500 / set
Six Hand Colored Engravings of Birds in New Frames & Matting. By Martinet.
Located in Washington, DC
Ten hand colored engravings of birds in new frames and matting sold individually. François Nicolas Martinet.
Martinet engraved illustrations of birds
for books by some of the mo...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Hand Colored Bird Engravings, circa 1890s(6individual pieces available)
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
#5- 3023 Hand Colored Bird Engraving . Original engraving matted in a celidone green, glass and white wood frame.
6 available choice by ph...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Hand Colored Bird Engravings, circa 1890 (6 individual pieces available)
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
#5- 3023a hand colored bird engraving. Original engraving matted in a Celidone green, glass and white wood frame.
6 available choice by ph...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
J S Prout, the Upper Goulburn, Victoria', Hand Colored Engraving, U K, 1874
By John Skinner Prout, N.W.S. 1
Located in Chatham, ON
John Skinner Prout (1805-1876) - 'the upper Goulburn, Victoria' - antique steel plate engraving after a painting by J. S. Prout - from 'Australia' by Edwin Carton Booth - hand colore...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Prints
Materials
Paint, Paper
Antique Hand Colored Engraving of the Port of Rotterdam
Located in Bradenton, FL
An antique hand colored engraving showing the port of Rotterdam. Inscribed in Latin and Italian “Prospectus portæ veteris roterodamensis / vista de la puerta vieja a roterdam” which translates to ‘View of the old gate...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
