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Original Handcolored Engraving of The Little Gull by Selby, 1826
About the Item
A beautifully detailed print from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology," depicting the Little Gull in various stages of plumage.
The artwork features an adult Little Gull in its winter plumage and a younger bird, capturing the differences in coloration and pattern that distinguish the mature birds from the immature ones.
Description: This plate demonstrates Selby's expertise in ornithological illustration, presenting the Little Gull, a species known for its diminutive size and graceful flight. The first bird is portrayed in its mature winter plumage, with a pale grey back and a clean white underside, along with a darkened head that contrasts sharply against its body. The second illustrates the youthful plumage, where the feathers exhibit a more mottled pattern, indicative of its age. Both birds are set against a backdrop that includes a coastal scene, adding a natural context to the illustration. The attention to anatomical detail, feather texture, and accurate coloration emphasizes the artist's commitment to representing each bird faithfully, serving the scientific community and the art world alike.
The artist, Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867), was an English ornithologist, botanist, and artist renowned for his detailed and realistic illustrations of birds. His work "Illustrations of British Ornithology" was a significant contribution to scientific knowledge of British birds in the 19th century and is known for its accuracy and the beauty of its illustrations. Selby's works are an important part of the history of ornithological art and study.
Prideaux John Selby is often ranked among the greatest avian illustrators, sharing the distinction with peers such as John James Audubon and John Gould. His illustrations were characterized by both ornithological precision and a sense of aesthetic grace, rendering each bird in its natural habitat with a focus on both scientific detail and visual charm. Mirroring Audubon's approach, Selby's renditions were notable for their life-sized portrayals.
Selby's personal involvement in the etching process of his grand folio series set him apart, as he took on the intricate task of engraving many of the plates himself—a skill he learned from his brother-in-law, Admiral Robert Mitford. Mitford not only taught Selby the etching technique but also actively participated in creating the etchings for "Illustrations of British Ornithology."
Christine E. Jackson, a scholar, highlighted the unique aspects of Selby's artistry, praising the refined and understated elegance of his plates—a stark contrast to the ornate Victorian style of John Gould. Jackson commended Selby for producing what were at the time the most life-like and dynamic representations of British birds, marking a significant departure from previous depictions that often appeared rigid and diminutive. This leap in the portrayal of birds, with its combination of life-sized, animated illustrations, represented a monumental step forward in the art of bird illustration.
The paper's watermark, J. Whatman, indicates the paper manufacturer, which was a renowned English papermaking company known for high-quality drawing and writing papers. The dates 1822-28 suggest the period during which the paper was produced but the watermark show the year 1826.
We have more bird prints of Selby online.
- Dimensions:Height: 21.26 in (54 cm)Width: 25.99 in (66 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1826
- Condition:Good, nearly excellent, especially considering age. One crease in top left far outside the image. Study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:
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