Striking Antique Rhinoceros Engraving, Buffon Hand-Coloured Print Amsterdam 1769

Rare Antique Rhinoceros Engraving, Buffon Hand-Coloured Print Amsterdam 1769

Description:

This striking 18th-century engraving of the Indian rhinoceros, titled Le Rhinoceros, comes from the Dutch edition of Buffon’s monumental natural history, published in Amsterdam by J.H. Schneider in 1769. Appearing as Plate VII in Tome XI, this is one of the most dramatic and desirable mammal plates in the entire series. The image was drawn by Jacques de Sève, the principal artist for Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle, and engraved by C.J. Fritsch, whose finely controlled linework captures the heavy folds, armour-like hide, and distinctive single horn of Rhinoceros unicornis with remarkable accuracy.

Buffon’s description of the rhinoceros reflected the 18th century’s growing scientific curiosity about exotic species, and this plate reflects that fascination. The animal is shown standing solidly on a grassy bank against a pale sky and rocky cliff, a composition that emphasises both its mass and its rarity. De Sève’s rendering combines scientific observation with something of the romance and wonder that natural history imagery held for Enlightenment audiences. The armour-plated skin is depicted in sculptural relief through subtle cross-hatching, while carefully applied hand colouring enhances the deep greys, browns, and dusty pinks of the hide and landscape. As with all Schneider-edition plates, the colouring is richer, more transparent, and more refined than in many other continental versions of Buffon.

This engraving is an excellent example of 18th-century copperplate technique. The plate mark is clearly visible, the impression strong, and the proportions generous, with wide margins characteristic of the Amsterdam edition. The sheet forms a beautiful standalone artwork but also pairs exceptionally well with other large-format Buffon subjects such as the elephant, camel, or buffalo plates. With its strong visual impact and rarity, Le Rhinoceros remains one of the most frequently requested images among collectors of natural history prints. It serves equally well as a statement piece in contemporary interiors, where its bold silhouette and earthy palette fit perfectly with natural, modern, or eclectic design schemes.

A true collector’s plate, more than 250 years old, and increasingly difficult to find in such well-preserved condition.

Condition report:

Very good for age. Light marginal toning, minor scattered foxing, and small handling marks typical of 18th-century paper. Strong and clean impression with visible plate mark. Colours bright and well preserved. Wide margins intact.

Framing tips:

A warm ivory or soft cream mat highlights the subtle hand colouring beautifully. Pair with a dark walnut, black, or antiqued gold frame for a refined presentation. The print also suits floating mounts in natural oak for a more modern display. Keep a generous mat border to emphasise the plate mark and elevate the sense of depth.

Keywords:

rhinoceros engraving

Buffon natural history

18th century hand coloured

Amsterdam 1769

Jacques de Sève

C J Fritsch

Indian rhinoceros

natural history art

antique wildlife print

zoological illustration

copperplate engraving

museum quality print