Alca arctica, Antique Atlantic Puffin Print by Nozeman & Sepp, 1809

Alca arctica, Antique Atlantic Puffin Print by Nozeman & Sepp, 1809

This antique hand-coloured engraving depicts the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), known in Dutch as the “papegaaiduiker.” Recognisable by its striking black-and-white plumage, upright stance, vivid orange legs, and colourful triangular bill, the puffin is among the most iconic seabirds of the North Atlantic. The artist has carefully rendered the bird perched on a rocky ledge beside the sea, its natural breeding habitat, with a touch of surrounding detail to emphasise its maritime environment.

The Atlantic puffin is the only puffin species native to the Atlantic Ocean, while two close relatives inhabit the northeastern Pacific. It breeds in Iceland, Norway, Greenland, Newfoundland, and many North Atlantic islands, ranging southward to Maine in the west and to Ireland and the British Isles in the east. Despite its wide distribution, populations in some regions have declined, leading to its current IUCN classification as vulnerable. Puffins are remarkable divers, using their wings as flippers underwater to catch small schooling fish such as herring and sand eels, often carrying several in their bills at once thanks to their unique hinged beak structure.

This print originates from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven (Amsterdam, 1770–1829), the first comprehensive study of Dutch ornithology. Created by Cornelis Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn, and Jan Christiaan Sepp, this monumental work combined scientific accuracy with artistry. The puffin plate, like others in the series, is based on life-sized studies, printed on high-quality laid paper, and enhanced with meticulous hand-colouring. The accompanying original Dutch text page is included, providing contemporary insights into the bird’s classification, characteristics, and behaviour. Including the Dutch names "pappegaay-duiker, zee-pappegaay".

Collectors prize Nederlandsche Vogelen for its rarity, historical importance, and artistic merit, and the puffin remains one of the most desirable subjects in the series due to its enduring charm and popularity in natural history art.

Condition: Very good. Clean impression with vivid hand-colouring. Mild, even toning and light handling in wide margins. Plate mark clearly visible. Original Dutch text with mild toning, a few scattered spots in margins, and one tiny hole.

Framing tips: A soft ivory or pale cream mount highlights the contrasting black and white plumage, while a charcoal, driftwood, or ebonised frame enhances its coastal atmosphere. A narrow inner mount in muted blue or sea green can add a subtle maritime accent. UV-protective glazing is advised to preserve the hand-colour.

Overall size: 53 x 37 cm.

Image size: 39.7 x 25.7 cm.