Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773
Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, view 2

Close-ups

Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 1Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 2Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 3Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 4Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 5Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, close-up 6

Framed and on the wall

Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, shown framedHand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, shown framed on a wallHand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773, shown framed in a room

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

Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Seligmann, c.1773

£560 ($740, €660)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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Date
1773
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. Slight handling marks, mostly outside platmark, not affecting image quality.
Period
18th century
Section
Birds
Reference
f_42305192

Title: Der Kleinere Weiße Carolinische Reiher - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Lesser White Heron by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century

This finely detailed hand-colored engraving, titled 'Der Kleinere Weiße Carolinische Reiher', features the Lesser White Heron (Ardea alba minor), set against a lush botanical background.

Created by Johann Michael Seligmann, an esteemed German engraver and natural history illustrator of the 18th century, this artwork is part of his renowned series 'Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel' (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds). Seligmann’s work was pivotal in bringing the illustrations of leading naturalists like Mark Catesby to a German audience, carefully adapted and enhanced for European collectors.

The engraving captures the heron with remarkable detail in both its feather texture and graceful posture, complemented by vibrant foliage that adds a touch of the bird’s natural habitat. The composition includes Latin and French inscriptions, with plate number "Tab. LIV," indicating its placement in Seligmann's extensive ornithological collection. Ideal for enthusiasts of historical natural history prints, this piece reflects Seligmann's dedication to both scientific accuracy and artistic elegance. His engravings are valued by collectors worldwide, making this a beautiful addition to any collection focused on avian or botanical illustrations.