Antique Hand-Coloured Print of Female Merganser, Mergus Minutus, 1770s

Antique Hand-Coloured Print of Female Merganser, Mergus Minutus, 1770–1829

This elegant hand-coloured engraving shows a female merganser (Mergus minutus), a member of the merganser family of fish-eating ducks. The bird is presented in profile, standing gracefully on grassy ground, with its distinctive reddish-brown head, finely patterned breast, and dark wings accented by a bold white and blue patch. The careful colouring captures both the texture of the plumage and the naturalistic stance of the bird, making this an attractive example of 18th-century ornithological illustration.

The print originates from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huishouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven (Dutch Birds; described according to their habits, character, and properties), published in Amsterdam between 1770 and 1829 by Cornelius Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn, and Jan Christiaan Sepp. This monumental work was the first comprehensive ornithological study of the Netherlands and remains one of the most important illustrated bird books of its era. The plates were hand-coloured to a high standard, with birds often depicted close to life-size and with remarkable attention to detail.

Condition: Very good. Strong impression with fine original hand colouring. Slight toning and minor handling marks consistent with age. Plate mark clearly visible.

Framing tips: A dark green or walnut frame with a cream or soft grey mat will emphasize the bird’s rich natural tones. For a refined display, a gilt frame with a double mount would enhance the historical character of the print.

Technique: Hand-coloured copper engraving

Maker: Cornelius Nozeman, M. Houttuyn & J.C. Sepp, Amsterdam, 1770–1829