Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845
Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, view 2
Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, view 3

Close-ups

Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, close-up 1Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, close-up 2

Framed and on the wall

Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, shown framedOld Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, shown framed on a wallOld Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845, shown framed in a room

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

Old Bird Print of a Crimson Topaz and a Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird, 1845

£120 ($155, €140)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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

Date
1845
Size
10.4 × 6.7 in (26.5 × 17 cm)
Condition
Good, given age. Ghosting from text on the opposite page. . General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Birds
Reference
f_37382472

Title: ‘1. TROCHILUS PELLA, COLIBRI TOPAZE, 2. TROCHILUS LONGIROSTRIS, COLIBRI A LONG BEC.”

– Translation: 1. Crimson Topaz, hummingbird, 2. Long-billed Starthroat, hummingbird.

Engraving with original hand colouring, heightened with arabic gum on wove (vellin) paper.

More info on the book in which it was published:

The 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century natural sciences. Published in Brussels in 1845, this work represents an expansive collation of knowledge, building upon the pioneering works of Buffon, Daubenton, Lacepede, Cuvier, de Jussieu, and other influential naturalists.

The prints within this compendium likely showcase a rich amalgamation of artistic precision and scientific accuracy. Drapiez, himself a Belgian naturalist, would have aimed for detailed representations of flora, fauna, and scientific phenomena, mirroring the illustrative styles prevalent during his time. Given the era's emphasis on illustration, these prints were likely engraved meticulously, possibly portraying intricate anatomical details or lifelike depictions of the natural world.

With Drapiez's background in natural history, the prints might bear testament to his commitment to scientific authenticity, aiming to educate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike. These engravings would have complemented the text, offering visual aids that elucidate the concepts and specimens discussed in the volume.

Overall, the prints of 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' likely serve as both artistic representations and invaluable scientific resources, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century natural history exploration and documentation.

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