19th Century Ornithological Illustration of the Leschenault's Owl, 1838
$605 (£455, €540)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1838
- Size
- 13.1 × 10.2 in (33.2 × 26 cm)
- Condition
- Very good, given age. Some light soiling. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_40616172
This illustration features an owl labeled "Hibou Leschenault," which is the Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis leschenaulti), a subspecies named in honor of the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Leschenault de La Tour.
Description of the Print:
- The owl is perched on a branch, showcasing its distinctive plumage. It has a robust body with brown feathers marked by intricate patterns and shades. The face is adorned with large, expressive eyes, typical of owls, and feather tufts resembling ears. The illustration meticulously details the textures and patterns of the feathers, emphasizing the bird's natural beauty.
About the Artists:
Nicolas Huet (1770–1830):
- A renowned French natural history illustrator.
- Known for his precise and lifelike depictions of birds and other animals.
- Contributed significantly to various ornithological publications of his time.
Jean Gabriel Prêtre (1768–1849):
- A Swiss-born natural history painter who worked primarily in France.
- Recognized for his detailed and accurate representations of zoological and botanical subjects.
- Collaborated with many leading naturalists and illustrated numerous scientific works.
Habitat of Leschenault's Owl (Brown Fish Owl):
- The Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis leschenaulti) is typically found in the forests and wetlands of South Asia, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
- These owls prefer habitats near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes, where they can hunt for fish, their primary prey.
- They are often found in dense forests and wooded areas, making use of the cover provided by the foliage.
This print, part of the "Nouveau recueil de planches coloriées d'oiseaux" published in 1838, showcases the artists' dedication to combining scientific accuracy with artistic beauty, contributing significantly to the field of ornithology.
