Aquatic Songbirds named Dippers Engraved by Selby and Hand-Colored, 1826

This original antique engraving features a pair of Dippers, also known as water ouzels, which are small, stout, aquatic songbirds. This print from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology" captures the male and female of the species, as indicated by the caption.

Description: In this plate, Selby illustrates the Dipper in its natural riverside setting, emphasizing the characteristic white bib against its dark plumage. The male and female are depicted with subtle differences that may pertain to size, color intensity, or markings. The Dippers are shown perched on rocks, a typical behavior for these birds, which are known for their unique ability to walk underwater to feed. Selby's skill in rendering the birds’ plumage and their sturdy posture, along with the careful depiction of the watery habitat complete with mossy stones and flowing water, reflects his commitment to ornithological accuracy and artistic finesse. The print, with its vivid colors and lifelike poses, would serve as a valuable visual guide for the study of avian life and a treasured piece for collectors of fine bird illustrations.

The artist, Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867), was an English ornithologist, botanist, and artist renowned for his detailed and realistic illustrations of birds. His work "Illustrations of British Ornithology" was a significant contribution to scientific knowledge of British birds in the 19th century and is known for its accuracy and the beauty of its illustrations. Selby's works are an important part of the history of ornithological art and study.

Prideaux John Selby is often ranked among the greatest avian illustrators, sharing the distinction with peers such as John James Audubon and John Gould. His illustrations were characterized by both ornithological precision and a sense of aesthetic grace, rendering each bird in its natural habitat with a focus on both scientific detail and visual charm. Mirroring Audubon's approach, Selby's renditions were notable for their life-sized portrayals.

Selby's personal involvement in the etching process of his grand folio series set him apart, as he took on the intricate task of engraving many of the plates himself, a skill he learned from his brother-in-law, Admiral Robert Mitford. Mitford not only taught Selby the etching technique but also actively participated in creating the etchings for "Illustrations of British Ornithology."

Christine E. Jackson, a scholar, highlighted the unique aspects of Selby's artistry, praising the refined and understated elegance of his plates, a stark contrast to the ornate Victorian style of John Gould. Jackson commended Selby for producing what were at the time the most life-like and dynamic representations of British birds, marking a significant departure from previous depictions that often appeared rigid and diminutive. This leap in the portrayal of birds, with its combination of life-sized, animated illustrations, represented a monumental step forward in the art of bird illustration.

The paper's watermark, J. Whatman, indicates the paper manufacturer, which was a renowned English papermaking company known for high-quality drawing and writing papers. The dates 1822-28 suggest the period during which the paper was produced but the watermark show the year 1826.

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