Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Hand-Colored Engraving of the Dark and Spotted Duck by Seligmann, ca.1770
$490 (£370, €440)
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 unequally cut or damaged; a few light creases. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality.
- Period
- 18th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_42320132
- 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: Die Dunkle und Gefleckte Ente - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Dark and Spotted Duck by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century
This exquisite hand-colored engraving, titled 'Die Dunkle und Gefleckte Ente', illustrates the Dark and Spotted Duck (Anas fulcus maculatus) standing elegantly on a small mound beside a tranquil body of water. Part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s famed *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), this piece demonstrates Seligmann’s skill in translating the work of renowned naturalists, like George Edwards, into beautiful prints for an 18th-century German audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. XCIII," captures the intricate patterns of the duck’s plumage, with a striking combination of dark and spotted markings, highlighted by skillful hand-coloring. The subtle shading and reflections in the water add depth to the scene. The Latin and French titles, including *Le Canard brun tacheté*, underscore the print’s historical and scientific importance.
Ideal for collectors of antique ornithological prints or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history art, this engraving exemplifies Seligmann’s dedication to scientific detail and artistic elegance. His works remain highly valued for their precision and charm, making this Dark and Spotted Duck print a fine addition to any collection focused on rare bird illustrations.
