Bilder Jacques de Sève (active 1742–1788) – La Soulcie and Le Grivelin – Copperplate Engraving by Claude-Louis Desrais from Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux by Buffon (Late 18th Century)

Beskrivning

This copperplate engraving depicts two small birds perched on tree branches: Fig. 1: La Soulcie (likely the Rock Bunting) and Fig. 2: Le Grivelin (possibly the Hawfinch), both rendered with fine plumage detail and lifelike poses. The scene is set against a dramatic sky, emphasizing the birds' natural elegance. Labeled Tome III, Pl. XXXI, this plate comes from the Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, a volume from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s celebrated encyclopedic natural history. The plate was drawn by Jacques de Sève and engraved by Claude-Louis Desrais, both frequent collaborators on Buffon’s ornithological volumes.

Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux was one of the most richly illustrated ornithological publications of the Enlightenment, combining scientific taxonomy with artistic refinement.

Artist or Maker:
Jacques de Sève (delineator), Claude-Louis Desrais (engraver)

Dimensions:
28 cm x 20 cm

Medium:
Copperplate Engraving

Date:
Late 18th Century

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.