Bilder Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – The Crave or The Coracias (Le Crave ou Le Coracias) – Engraving (Circa 1770–1783)

Beskrivning

This ornithological illustration depicts a large, dark-plumaged bird, identified in the margin as LE CRAVE OU LE CORACIAS (The Crave or The Coracias), which refers to the Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). The print shows the bird standing in profile on a rocky ledge, characterized by its glossy feathers and distinctively long, thin beak. In the distance, a detailed landscape includes a village or town, a characteristic feature of plates from Buffon's work that sought to place animals within their natural habitats (Europe and Asia).

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon was a renowned French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist. His massive work, Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière (Natural History, General and Particular), was a colossal 44-volume encyclopedia published between 1749 and 1804. The volumes dedicated to birds (Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux) became particularly famous for their exquisite, detailed illustrations, many of which were published in both hand-colored (Planches Enluminées) and black-and-white formats, setting a new standard for natural history documentation.

Artist or Maker: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon

Dimensions: Approximately 26 × 19 cm

Medium: Engraving

Date: Circa 1770–1783

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.