Bilder François Martinet (fl. 1760–1800) – Chinese Lory – Original Hand-Colored Engraving – France, ca. 1780s

Beskrivning

This finely detailed hand-colored engraving depicts the “Lory de la Chine,” a vividly red lory perched on a branch, taken from the influential ornithological series produced by François Martinet during the late 18th century. Each bird was illustrated with precision and delicately hand-colored, reflecting the European fascination with exotic avifauna of Asia and the Pacific. This specimen exemplifies Martinet’s elegant draftsmanship, typified by clear outlines, saturated pigments, and minimal background distractions that focus attention on the bird’s morphology. “Lory de la Chine” likely refers to a type of lory or lorikeet known in European classifications of the time, often sourced through colonial trade networks or naturalist voyages.

François Martinet was a French engraver and illustrator active during the latter half of the 18th century. He is best known for his contributions to Buffon’s “Histoire Naturelle,” for which he produced hundreds of ornithological plates. His engravings are valued for their clarity, delicate coloring, and scientific accuracy, bridging the worlds of art and natural history in Enlightenment France.

Artist:
François Martinet

Dimensions:
28 x 20 cm

Medium:
Hand-Colored Copperplate Engraving

Date:
1780

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.