Female Tufted Duck Antique Bird Print by Sepp & Nozeman, circa 1797

Female Tufted Duck Antique Bird Print by Sepp & Nozeman, circa 1797

This striking antique print, titled 'Anas Fuligula, Foemina', depicts the female tufted duck, known in Dutch as the "kuifeend." It is a beautifully hand-colored engraving from the monumental ornithological work 'Nederlandsche Vogelen', published in Amsterdam between 1770 and 1829. This specific plate dates to approximately 1797 and exemplifies the precise and elegant style that characterizes the publication.

The tufted duck ('Aythya fuligula') is a small yet robust diving duck with a widespread presence across Eurasia and parts of North Africa. The female of the species, as illustrated here, is rendered in naturalistic brown tones with lighter plumage on the flanks and belly, set against a modest marshy foreground of reeds and grass. The artist has captured her upright pose with particular attention to texture and feather structure, offering a detailed, nearly life-sized likeness in a natural environment.

The scientific naming of the bird is of particular interest: the genus name Aythya derives from an ancient Greek term used by Aristotle to refer to a kind of seabird, while the species name Fuligula combines the Latin words for "soot" and "throat," referencing the bird’s dusky plumage. This engraving stands out not only for its fine artistic execution but also for its role in the development of ornithological studies in the Netherlands.

'Nederlandsche Vogelen' was a pioneering collaboration between naturalists and illustrators including Cornelis Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn, and Jan Christiaan Sepp. Their combined efforts brought together scientific observation, taxonomy, and superb copperplate engraving, resulting in one of the earliest and most influential ornithological works in Europe.

Condition:

Very good condition with strong plate impression and fine original hand-coloring. Some light age-toning and a few tiny scattered spots in the margin, not affecting the image. Plate mark clearly defined. Includes the original descriptive text page.

Framing tips:

For presentation, this print will shine in a light oak or mid-tone wood frame with a soft ivory or pale beige mat. Consider using UV-resistant glass to preserve the hand-coloring. The understated palette of the female tufted duck makes it a refined addition to a nature-themed interior or as part of a curated set of waterfowl prints.