Hand-Colored Engraving of the Small Black and White Duck by Seligmann, ca.1770

Reference
BG-13975
Date
1770
Category
Engraving
Sheet size
37.0 x 25.0 cm (14.6 x 9.8 in)
Availability
Available
Price
EUR 540

Title: Große weiße und schwarze Ente - Hand-Colored Engraving of the Large White and Black Duck by Johann Michael Seligmann, 18th Century

This exquisite hand-colored engraving, *Große weiße und schwarze Ente*, depicts a Large White and Black Duck (*Anas major albus et fuscus cum foemella*), resting gracefully on a rock beside a serene body of water. The background features its female counterpart in flight, adding a dynamic element to this serene composition. This plate, numbered "Tab. XCI," comes from Johann Michael Seligmann’s highly regarded *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds).

Combining the artistry of Seligmann’s engraving with the scientific precision of George Edwards’ studies, this work is both aesthetically captivating and scientifically significant. The vibrant hand coloring enhances the intricate details of the duck’s plumage, the textured rock, and the surrounding water, providing a vivid glimpse into 18th-century ornithology and artistic techniques.

This print, with its Latin and French annotations (*Le grand canard noir et blanc, avec la femelle*), reflects the international collaboration and widespread appeal of natural history during the Enlightenment. A perfect addition to any collection of antique ornithological works, its timeless beauty and cultural significance make it a treasure for connoisseurs of natural history and fine art alike.

Where this sits in the catalogue


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