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Rare Ornithological Illustration of the Male Dwarf Pigeon (Colombe naine), 1838
£455 ($605, €540)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1838
- Size
- 13.8 × 10.2 in (35 × 26 cm)
- Condition
- Very good, given age. Some light soiling. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_40616232
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.
This illustration features a bird labeled "Colombe naine, mâle," which translates to "Dwarf Pigeon, male."
Description of the Print:
- The bird is depicted perched on a small branch, showcasing its vibrant green plumage. The feathers on the back and wings exhibit a pattern of yellow and green, while the belly and tail feathers have shades of yellow and green as well. The bird has a distinctive patch of grey on its neck, adding contrast to its predominantly green body. The feet are pink, and the beak is yellow, completing the colorful appearance. The illustration is detailed, capturing the textures and patterns of the feathers with precision.
About the Artists:
Nicolas Huet (1770–1830):
- A renowned French natural history illustrator.
- Known for his precise and lifelike depictions of birds and other animals.
- Contributed significantly to various ornithological publications of his time.
Jean Gabriel Prêtre (1768–1849):
- A Swiss-born natural history painter who worked primarily in France.
- Recognized for his detailed and accurate representations of zoological and botanical subjects.
- Collaborated with many leading naturalists and illustrated numerous scientific works.
Habitat of Dwarf Pigeons:
- Dwarf pigeons, also known as green pigeons or Treron species, are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa.
- These birds inhabit forests, woodlands, and areas with abundant fruiting trees, as they primarily feed on fruits.
- They are often seen in the canopy, where they blend in with the foliage due to their green plumage, making them well-adapted to their environment.
This print, part of the "Nouveau recueil de planches coloriées d'oiseaux" published in 1838, showcases the detailed and scientifically accurate work produced by Huet and Prêtre, reflecting the high standards of ornithological illustration in the 19th century.
