Bilder François Valentijn – Tropical Birds from the East Indies – Engraving

Beskrivning

This antique engraving features two scenes with tropical birds native to the East Indies. The upper panel shows a crane-like waterbird and a parrot perched on a rock within a lush riverside landscape. The lower panel presents a striking hornbill with a large curved beak and strong talons, standing in a dramatic natural setting with distant cliffs and palm trees. Each bird is labeled with corresponding figure numbers and drawn with attention to posture and environmental detail. The engraving comes from Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën, the monumental natural and ethnographic chronicle of the Dutch colonial territories compiled by François Valentijn.

François Valentijn was a Dutch theologian, historian, and naturalist who lived for many years in the East Indies. His five-volume work Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën (1724–1726) is one of the most comprehensive sources on the geography, flora, fauna, and cultures of Southeast Asia during the early 18th century. The engravings included in the work are highly valued for their early representations of native wildlife and colonial landscapes.

Artist or Maker:
François Valentijn

Dimensions:
34 cm x 20 cm

Medium:
Engraving

Date:
1724–1726



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.