Bilder Robert Benard (1734-1785) – Ornithology Pelicans and Tropicbird – Engraving (1771)

Beskrivning

"Histoire Naturelle, Ornithologie" This engraving illustrates several species of large water birds in their natural coastal habitat. The upper register features a large pelican standing on the shore alongside a long-tailed tropicbird perched on a rock. The lower register depicts a brown pelican standing on a stone and a roseate pelican swimming with its bill open, revealing the anatomical structure of the gular pouch. This plate was created for the Encyclopedia of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d Alembert, which served as a comprehensive visual record of natural history and the sciences during the French Enlightenment. It was printed in Paris by the publisher Andre le Breton.

Robert Benard was a French engraver who achieved significant recognition for his mastery of technical and scientific illustration. He served as the primary director for the engraving department of the Diderot Encyclopedia, where he supervised the production of over two thousand copperplate prints. His expertise was essential in providing clear visual translations of complex biological, industrial, and agricultural subjects for a wide audience. Throughout his career in Paris, Benard operated a prolific studio that remained a central hub for the dissemination of informational prints during the late eighteenth century.

Artist or Maker: Robert Benard.

Dimensions: Approximately 29 cm x 22 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1771.

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.