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Hand-Colored Engraving of the Small Brown and White Duck by Seligmann, c.1770
$610 (£460, €540)
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. Some handling marks, mostly outside plate-mark, not affecting image quality.
- Period
- 18th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_42338072
Title: Die Kleine Braune und Weiße Ente - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Small Brown and White Duck by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century
This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled *Die Kleine Braune und Weiße Ente*, portrays the Small Brown and White Duck (*Anas Canadensis minor fulcus*) resting gracefully on calm waters. This artwork is part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), a monumental series that translated the illustrations of renowned naturalists, such as George Edwards, into stunning prints for an 18th-century audience.
The plate, numbered "Tab. LII," captures the bird’s fine plumage details, with deep brown tones and subtle white highlights rendered through meticulous hand-coloring. The serene water and minimalistic background enhance the focus on the duck, while the French title, *Le Petit Canard Brun et Blanc*, underscores the historical importance of the engraving as a study of North American avifauna.
This piece is ideal for collectors of historical ornithological prints or enthusiasts of 18th-century natural history illustrations. Seligmann’s dedication to scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty is evident, making this print of the Small Brown and White Duck a delightful addition to any collection of antique bird engravings.
