Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813
Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, view 2

Close-ups

Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 1Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 2Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 3Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 4Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 5Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, close-up 6

Framed and on the wall

Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, shown framedForeign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, shown framed on a wallForeign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813, shown framed in a room

Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.

Foreign Field Sports: Bird Catching Aquatint by Dubourg & Howitt, 1813

£205 ($270, €240)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.

Date
1813
Size
8.7 × 13 in (22.2 × 33 cm)
Condition
In good condition given age. General age related toning due to age and handling. Please study scan carefully.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Birds
Reference
f_40470052

This print titled "Bird Catching from Below" showcases a traditional method of bird hunting along a rocky coastline. In the scene, several men in plaid attire are depicted in action. One man is climbing the rock face with a net, while another stands on a ledge, reaching for a bird in flight. Two men in a boat are positioned below, one rowing and the other with arms raised, ready to catch birds or provide support. The background features a flock of birds in the sky and several ships sailing in the distance, indicating a coastal setting. The sea is depicted with waves crashing against the rocks, adding to the dynamic and adventurous atmosphere of the scene. The hand-coloring of the aquatint adds vibrancy and detail to the composition.

Countries Where Bird Catching Occurred Historically and Currently:

Bird catching, particularly of seabirds, has a long history in various coastal regions. Historically, this activity took place in countries such as:

1. **Scotland**: Particularly in the Hebrides and St. Kilda, where bird catching was essential for survival.

2. **Faroe Islands**: An important part of the local economy and tradition.

3. **Iceland**: Where puffin hunting is a long-standing practice.

4. **Norway**: Particularly along the coast and in the Lofoten Islands.

5. **Greenland**: Traditional hunting practices of the Inuit people.

6. **Canada**: Particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While traditional bird catching has significantly declined due to conservation efforts and changes in dietary and economic practices, some forms of regulated bird hunting or harvesting still occur:

1. **Faroe Islands**: Continuation of controlled seabird harvesting.

2. **Iceland**: Puffin hunting is still practiced, though regulated.

3. **Norway**: Some traditional practices continue in remote areas.

4. **Greenland**: Traditional hunting by Inuit communities is still practiced under regulation.

These contemporary practices are often subject to strict regulations to ensure the sustainability of bird populations and the protection of endangered species.