Handcolored 1805 Engraving of European Birds from Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder"
This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving from 1805 features six European bird species in remarkable detail, including the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), and others. Carefully illustrated in Friedrich Johann Bertuch's renowned "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), the engraving beautifully balances scientific accuracy with artistic craftsmanship.
Bertuch’s 12-volume encyclopedia, published between 1790 and 1830 in Weimar, was a groundbreaking effort to educate children through visually captivating illustrations covering natural history, science, and art. Each bird is depicted in its natural pose, showcasing intricate details of plumage and posture. These depictions reflect the Enlightenment's enthusiasm for sharing knowledge about the natural world.
The six birds depicted in this engraving are:
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) Female Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula, female) Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
This plate is ideal for collectors of ornithological art or 19th-century natural history prints. It offers not just an artistic representation of European avifauna but also a tangible link to the legacy of early scientific exploration and education.
Condition: Good condition with foxing and age-related wear, consistent with its age and adding to its patina. Original hand-coloured.
Keywords: European birds, Friedrich Bertuch, 19th-century engraving, Waxwing, Starling, Bullfinch, natural history, ornithological art, Bilderbuch für Kinder.
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