Bilder François Martinet (fl. 1760–1800) – Medium Owl or Eagle Owl – Original Hand-Colored Engraving – 1780

Beskrivning

This detailed hand-colored engraving shows a “Moyen Duc, ou Hibou,” translated as Medium Owl or Eagle Owl, perched on a leafy branch. The bird is depicted with mottled brown plumage, distinctive facial disk, and keen eyes—features typical of owls in the Strigidae family. The naturalistic setting, with carefully rendered foliage and bark texture, exemplifies Martinet’s precise and elegant approach to scientific illustration during the Enlightenment.

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 accuracy, clarity, and delicate hand-coloring, combining art and science in one of the most important natural history series of its time.

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.