Scolopax Limosa, Antique Black-Tailed Godwit Print by Nozeman & Sepp, 1809
$1,235 (£930, €1,100)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1809
- Size
- 21.1 × 14.6 in (53.5 × 37 cm)
- Technique
- Engraved
- Condition
- Good. Very good. Clean sheet with light, even age toning and a well-defined plate impression. Original text pages present and good, with mild toning and almost no scattered spots; one small tear on bottom right edge.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- Nozeman and Sepp
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_10925213
- Color
- Hand colored
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.
Scolopax Limosa, Antique Black-Tailed Godwit Print by Nozeman & Sepp, 1809
This finely hand-colored engraving depicts the black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), a large, elegant shorebird known in Dutch as the “grutto.” Standing tall with its long, slender legs and strikingly elongated bill, the godwit is portrayed with the meticulous detail characteristic of Nederlandsche Vogelen. The warm brown tones of its plumage, subtly graded along the body, and the delicate feather patterning are rendered with great accuracy, capturing the bird’s graceful stature.
Originating from Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven (Amsterdam, 1770–1829), this plate is part of the first comprehensive ornithological study of Dutch birdlife. Produced by Cornelis Nozeman, Martinus Houttuyn, and Jan Christiaan Sepp, the work is celebrated for its combination of scientific precision and artistic refinement. Each plate was printed on fine laid paper and hand-colored to lifelike effect, reflecting the natural appearance of the species in its habitat.
The black-tailed godwit breeds in wetlands, meadows, and marshes across Europe and Asia, and is particularly associated with Dutch lowland landscapes. Recognised by its black-and-white wing markings and black tail with white base, it is also the national bird of the Netherlands, admired for its beauty and elegant flight. In the early 19th century, it was a familiar sight in rural Holland, where its seasonal migrations marked the changing year.
Collectors value Nederlandsche Vogelen plates for their historical significance, ornithological importance, and decorative quality, making this godwit engraving a fine example for both study and display. The accompanying original Dutch text pages provide rich historical and scientific observations on the species, its behavior, nesting habits, and physical characteristics, as understood in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Condition: Very good. Clean sheet with light, even age toning and a well-defined plate impression. Original text pages present and good, with mild toning and almost no scattered spots; one small tear on bottom right edge.
Framing tips: A soft cream or pale gray mount will bring out the warm brown and subtle gray hues of the plumage. A slim black or dark oak frame will provide a refined, natural history aesthetic. For an elegant presentation, consider a double mount with a fine inner line in muted rust or terracotta to echo the bird’s breeding colors. UV-protective glazing is recommended.
