Antique Hand-Colored Pigeon Engraving, Copperplate, Circa 1770

Title: Antique Hand-Colored Pigeon Engraving, George Edwards / Seligmann ca. 1770

Description:

This finely hand-colored bird engraving depicts a pigeon species and was originally illustrated by the English naturalist and artist George Edwards, later republished by Johann Michael Seligmann in his celebrated ornithological series Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), issued between 1749 and 1776. This example dates from circa 1770 and represents one of the finest Continental editions of Edwards’ pioneering ornithological imagery.

Seligmann’s ambitious publication project brought Edwards’ influential English works to a much wider European audience. By re-engraving the original plates and adding titles in Latin, French, and German, Seligmann transformed Edwards’ illustrations into an international reference work for scholars, collectors, and lovers of natural history. The series is based on Edwards’ monumental publications A Natural History of Uncommon Birds (1743–1751) and Gleanings of Natural History (1758–1764), now considered among the most important ornithological works of the 18th century.

George Edwards is widely regarded as the “Father of British Ornithology.” His work is celebrated for its combination of scientific accuracy and refined artistic composition. Unlike many earlier bird illustrations, Edwards’ birds are shown with careful attention to posture, plumage, and proportion, resulting in images that are both informative and visually elegant. These qualities made his prints highly influential and widely collected during his lifetime and long after.

The engraving was produced using traditional copperplate engraving, a meticulous process in which the image is incised into a copper plate, printed on fine laid paper, and then carefully hand-colored with watercolors. Seligmann’s editions are especially admired for the quality of their coloring; the pigments remain remarkably fresh and vibrant more than 250 years after publication. Today, these prints are valued not only as scientific documents but also as highly decorative works, well suited for both classic and contemporary interiors.

Condition report:

Good overall condition for its age. Light age-related toning and minor surface wear. Hand coloring remains strong and fresh. Plate impression visible.

Framing tips:

Beautifully presented in a light mat with a natural wood, walnut, or muted gold frame to enhance the soft colors. Also works well in a darker frame for a more dramatic, library-style interior.

Technique: Copperplate engraving with hand coloring

Maker: George Edwards (after), published by Johann Michael Seligmann, Nuremberg, ca. 1770