Bilder William MacGillivray (1796-1852) – Studies of Broadbills – Hand-coloured engraving (1839)

Beskrivning

"Eurylaimus, Eurylaimus". This work features five distinct bird species belonging to the broadbill family, including the Corydon, Great-billed, and Horsfield’s varieties, depicted in various plumages and perching positions. This hand-coloured engraving is a leaf from the publication A History of the Earth and Animated Nature by Oliver Goldsmith, with substantial taxonomic additions by MacGillivray, published in London and Edinburgh in 1839. The plate captures the unique anatomical features of these avian subjects, particularly their wide beaks, set against a delicately etched landscape of trees and water.

William MacGillivray was a Scottish naturalist and ornithologist who served as the Conservator of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He was a close friend and collaborator of John James Audubon, providing much of the scientific text and anatomical descriptions for Audubon's Ornithological Biography. MacGillivray is known for his detailed anatomical studies of birds and his meticulous approach to taxonomy and natural history illustration. His major independent work, A History of British Birds, remains a classic of nineteenth-century scientific literature.

Artist or Maker:
William MacGillivray.

Dimensions:
Approximately 33 cm x 23 cm.

Medium:
Hand-coloured engraving.

Date:
1839.

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.