Skip to product information
Set of 9 antique French bird engravings – circa 1790 - Histoire Naturelle - Ornithology
€395,00
Fast shipping
14-day return policy
A distinctive ensemble of nine antique French ornithological engravings, dating from around 1790. The prints come from the great French tradition of natural history encyclopedias and bear, among other things, the characteristic designations “Histoire Naturelle, Ornithologie” and “Benard Direxit”.
The collection shows various bird species, including several species of kingfishers (Martin-pêcheur), a quail (La Caille) and Le Pipit varié. The old French names, refined engraving technique and the authentic, time-worn paper give the set a distinctive historical character.
A piece of natural history on the wall
What was once intended to scientifically document birds is now beautiful 18th-century print art. The combination of fine linework, classical typography and the old paper makes these engravings particularly suitable for decoration.
The nine prints form a beautiful whole together, but can of course also be framed individually. Beautiful in a classic, rustic or botanical interior, but also as a characterful contrast in a modern space.
Specifications
| Quantity | 9 engravings |
| Period | circa 1790 |
| Country | France |
| Subject | Ornithology / birds |
| Technique | Copper engraving |
| Publication | French natural history encyclopedic tradition |
| Designation | Benard Direxit |
| Matting | ca. 39 × 27.5 cm |
| Visible size | ca. 26 × 17.8 cm |
The visible size refers exclusively to the opening of the matting and not the total dimensions.
Recognizable subjects
Among others, various Martin-pêcheur (kingfisher) species, including the Martin-pêcheur de Madagascar, Martin-pêcheur de la Louisiane and Martin-pêcheur sacré, as well as La Caille (quail) and Le Pipit varié.
A beautiful set for the lover of antique prints, natural history and French decorative art nine small windows into a world from over two centuries ago.
The nine engravings
Based on the legible inscriptions, the following subjects can be identified in the collection, among others:
- Martin-pêcheur / kingfishers – various exotic species, including specimens from Madagascar, Louisiana, New Guinea and Ternate.
- Martin-pêcheur à gros bec – the great-billed kingfisher.
- Martin-pêcheur huppé – a crested kingfisher.
- Martin-pêcheur sacré – the sacred kingfisher.
- Martin-pêcheur pourpré – the purple kingfisher.
- La Caille – the quail.
- Le Pipit varié – a historical name within the group of pipits.
- In addition, the set contains several other ornithological plates with various bird species.
Presentation
The nine engravings are carefully presented in a matting of approximately 39 × 27.5 cm. The prints are provided with a transparent protective film, which protects them from dust and handling while keeping the engravings beautifully visible. This makes them immediately suitable for storage, presentation, or later framing according to your own wishes.
Condition
The engravings are in fair to good antique condition, appropriate for their age of approximately 230 years. The paper shows natural age-related discoloration and some dark and light brown discolorations, presumably caused by moisture in the past. At the edges, some ragged and irregular parts are visible locally.
The engravings are placed in the matting, which conceals the edges from view for the most part. The transparent protective film also provides protection against dust and handling.
These are authentic engravings and not newly made reproductions. The signs of use and age are also part of their historical character.