Northern Bottlenose Whale: Classic 18th-19th Century Scientific Illustration

The illustration features the species labeled as "Physeter microcephalus Linn.," historically referred to with this name but now known commonly as the sperm whale. This depiction, given its accuracy and detail, was likely part of an educational or scientific series aimed at documenting various marine species. Description of the Illustration The sperm whale is depicted with notable attention to its distinct body shape and features, such as the large, block-shaped head which is characteristic of the species. The coloration is muted, reflecting the typical dark grey to black hues of the sperm whale. The background includes a detailed portrayal of a rocky underwater seascape with algae and other marine plants, suggesting the deep ocean habitats where these whales are typically found. The surface and spray around the whale add a dynamic element, capturing the moment of the whale at or near the surface. This hand-colored engraving combines precise line work with subtle coloring, a technique that enhances the scientific utility of the piece while also providing aesthetic appeal. Description: Venture into the mysterious world of the deep sea with this striking 18th to 19th-century illustration of the sperm whale, historically referred to as Physeter microcephalus. This piece is from the distinguished series "Die Säugthiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur, mit Beschreibungen," known for its precise and detailed natural history illustrations. This entry aims to highlight the illustration's value as a work of art and a piece of scientific heritage, appealing to a broad audience interested in natural history, marine biology, and antique scientific illustrations...

Antique Bird Print of Northern Fulmar at Sea, 19th Century Seabird Illustration This atmospheric 19th-century chromolithograph features a Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), shown...

These hand-colored engravings are various bird illustrations published by Buffon. They are from the work of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, a renowned French naturalist. These bird illustrations are from his monumental work "Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière" (Natural History, General and Particular), which was published in multiple volumes over several decades in the 18th century. The specific bird prints are from the volumes dedicated to birds ("Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux"). These volumes were published between 1770 and 1783. The precise publication date for each illustration can vary depending on the volume and edition, but the entire series falls within this time frame. Buffon's "Histoire Naturelle" is celebrated for its detailed and scientifically accurate illustrations, which were a significant contribution to ornithology and natural history at the time. Here are detailed descriptions of the birds depicted in each of the three prints: **First Print (Pl. 88):** 1. **Le Héron (The Heron)** - A tall bird with a long neck, a sharp beak, and long legs. The plumage is mostly gray with a lighter chest and dark wings. It stands on a grassy patch. 2. **Le Butor (The Bittern)** - A medium-sized bird with a stout body and a thick neck. The plumage is brown with darker streaks, blending well with marshy surroundings. It stands on a small patch of ground. 3. **Le Secretaire (The Secretary Bird)** - A large bird with an eagle-like body and crane-like legs. It has long tail feathers and distinctive crest feathers on its head. The plumage is a mix of gray, black, and white. It stands on a grassy area. **Second Print (Pl. 105):** 1. **L'Albatros (The Albatross)** - A large seabird with long wings and a stout body. The plumage is white with dark wings. It is depicted floating on water. 2. **Le Cygne (The Swan)** - A graceful bird with a long neck and white plumage. It has an orange beak with a black base and is shown swimming. 3. **Le Pélican (The Pelican)** - A large bird with a long beak and a distinctive throat pouch. The plumage is white with a hint of pink. It stands on a rock near the water. **Third Print (Pl. 96):** 1. **La Spatule (The Spoonbill)** - A bird with a long, flat, spoon-shaped bill. The plumage is white with a slight pink tinge. It stands on a grassy patch. 2. **La Grue (The Crane)** - A tall bird with long legs and neck, mostly gray plumage with black wing tips. It has a red crown on its head and stands on a grassy area. 3. **L'Aigrette (The Egret)** - A slender bird with white plumage, long neck, and black legs. It has delicate plumes on its back and is shown standing near water. These illustrations are characteristic of the detailed and accurate depictions typical of Buffon's work in natural history. These birds are found in various habitats across the world. Here are the typical regions and habitats for each bird: **First Print (Pl. 88):** 1. **Le Héron (The Heron)** - Herons are widely distributed across the world, found in both freshwater and coastal habitats. They are commonly seen in wetlands, marshes, rivers, and along lakeshores. 2. **Le Butor (The Bittern)** - Bitterns are also found in wetlands and marshes, with a preference for dense reed beds. They have a wide distribution, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 3. **Le Secretaire (The Secretary Bird)** - Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, Secretary Birds inhabit open grasslands and savannas. They are terrestrial birds often seen stalking through tall grass in search of prey. **Second Print (Pl. 105):** 1. **L'Albatros (The Albatross)** - Albatrosses are primarily found in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific. They are oceanic...

"Garden Elegance: A Triptych of 19th Century Botanical Illustrations" Delight in the timeless beauty of "Garden Elegance," a captivating collection of three original antique prints ...

18th Century Engraving of Sperm Whales, by Bertuch, 1790, an engraved zoological plate depicting what was thought to be two species of Sperm Whale (Physeter), the Cylindrical Pot-Wha...

displaying a king or nobleman seated on a throne

This exquisite print is from L'Illustration Horticole, one of the great Belgian horticultural periodicals of the 1800s. Published from 1854 to 1896, L'Illustration Horticole featured...

Pair of framed neoclassical engravings, after works painted by Jean Jacques François Le Barbier (1738 - 1826) and engraved by Jean-Jacques Avril (1744-1831), dated 1789 for the paint...