Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Feathered Sapphire: The Blue Swallow, A Vieillot Hand-Colored Print from 1807
$580 (£440, €520)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1807
- Size
- 20.3 × 13.5 in (51.5 × 34.4 cm)
- Condition
- Good. General age-related toning. Minor wear and foxing, blank verso. Please study image carefully.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_39082732
- 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.
This exceptional antique bird print, entitled "L'Hirondelle bleue", features a resplendent illustration of a blue swallow, a species yet to be fully identified. This large, hand-finished print is a prime example of ornithological art from the early 19th century, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of natural history.
Originating from the distinguished volume "Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrionale", this print dates to circa 1807 and represents the collaborative efforts of J.G. Pretre in illustration, L. Bouquet in engraving, and Langlois in color printing. The meticulous hand-finishing process, a hallmark of the era's craftsmanship, enhances the visual appeal, offering a rich palette and nuanced detail that conveys the essence of the blue swallow in its natural grace.
Notably, the print is a work from Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, a pioneer in ornithological studies who advocated for the observation of birds in their natural habitats rather than as mere taxidermic subjects. His innovative approach reshaped the study of ornithology by emphasizing the importance of the ecological context.
Ideal for a discerning collector, this antique print captures the beauty and complexity of North American avifauna, making it a timeless addition to any collection of fine natural history illustrations or a sophisticated statement in a library or study. Its blend of artistic merit, scientific interest, and historical significance creates a unique allure that is both educational and decorative.
