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Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Der Albatros - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Albatross by Johann Seligmann, 1770
£585 ($770, €690)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1770
- Size
- 14.6 × 9.8 in (37 × 25 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Vibrant colors, minimal fading. Paper shows light toning and minor foxing. Edges sharp; no tears, no folds. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality. Please study the images carefully.
- Period
- 18th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_42305552
- Colour
- Hand coloured
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Title: Der Albatros - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Albatross by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century
This rare hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Albatros', features the majestic Albatross (*Albatros maxima*), depicted with its distinctive broad wings and powerful beak. This piece is part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s celebrated *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), a renowned series that brought the illustrations of prominent naturalists like George Edwards to a German-speaking audience. Seligmann's engravings are notable for their blend of scientific detail and artistic beauty.
The plate, numbered "Tab. LXXI," captures the albatross in fine detail, with a lifelike representation of its plumage and robust build. The hand-applied colors emphasize the bird’s striking features, while the landscape elements in the background add context to its natural habitat. The French title, *L’Albatros*, and the Latin nomenclature underscore the print’s historical significance as a piece of scientific illustration.
This engraving is a perfect acquisition for collectors of antique ornithological art or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history. Seligmann’s dedication to accuracy and elegance is evident in this work, making it a treasured addition to any collection focused on vintage bird illustrations.
