Items Similar to Elegant Avian Diversity: Illustrations from Buffon s Ornithology, c.1780

Charming Vintage Hand-colored Bird Illustrations by Buffon, circa 1780

Antique Bird Print of Various Bird Species, C.1852

Set of 3 Antique Bird Prints of various Wading Birds and Seabirds (c.1850)

Ornithological Treasures: A Collection of 19th Century Hand-Colored Bird Prints

Avian Treasures from Buffon s Natural History: Hand-Colored Masterpieces, 1837

Diverse Avian Species: An early 18th-Century Ornithological Study, 1811

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 10

Elegant Avian Diversity: Illustrations from Buffon s Ornithology, c.1780

$603.11per set

$753.88per set20% Off

£450.46per set

£563.07per set20% Off

€504per set

€630per set20% Off

CA$830.89per set

CA$1,038.61per set20% Off

A$905.53per set

A$1,131.91per set20% Off

CHF 479.51per set

CHF 599.39per set20% Off

MX$10,876.31per set

MX$13,595.39per set20% Off

NOK 6,070.76per set

NOK 7,588.45per set20% Off

SEK 5,581.47per set

SEK 6,976.84per set20% Off

DKK 3,839.61per set

DKK 4,799.51per set20% Off

About the Item

These hand-colored engravings depict various bird species from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s monumental work *Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière* (Natural History, General and Particular), published in the 18th century. The specific plates come from the ornithological section, *Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux*, which appeared between 1770 and 1783. Buffon’s publications were among the most influential natural history works of their time, and the bird illustrations remain admired for their detail, accuracy, and elegance. The engravings presented here are three separate plates, each showing multiple bird species in characteristic poses and naturalistic settings. First Print (Pl. 88): 1. Le Héron (The Heron) – A tall wading bird with gray plumage, long legs, and a pointed beak, shown standing near water. 2. Le Butor (The Bittern) – A stout marsh bird with brown streaked feathers, blending into reed habitats. 3. Le Secretaire (The Secretary Bird) – A distinctive African raptor with crane-like legs, long tail feathers, and a head crest. Second Print (Pl. 105): 1. L’Albatros (The Albatross) – A great seabird with long wings, depicted floating at sea. 2. Le Cygne (The Swan) – An elegant white swan with an orange beak, shown swimming gracefully. 3. Le Pélican (The Pelican) – A large bird with its characteristic throat pouch, standing near the water’s edge. Third Print (Pl. 96): 1. La Spatule (The Spoonbill) – Recognizable by its flat, spoon-shaped bill, with pale plumage. 2. La Grue (The Crane) – A tall gray bird with black wing tips and a red crown. 3. L’Aigrette (The Egret) – A slender white bird with plumes, standing by the water. Each species is carefully rendered to reflect both its anatomy and typical environment. Herons, bitterns, cranes, spoonbills, and egrets are marshland and wetland birds, while swans and pelicans inhabit freshwater lakes and coastal areas. The albatross is a truly oceanic bird, while the secretary bird is unique to African grasslands. Together, these engravings provide a wide overview of birdlife across continents, highlighting Buffon’s ambition to present a comprehensive survey of natural history. The publication of *Histoire Naturelle* marked a turning point in scientific illustration, combining artistic skill with zoological study. These bird prints remain highly collectible for their beauty, their historical importance, and their role in the development of ornithology. Condition: Fine original hand coloring. Minor age-related toning and spotting may be present, consistent with 18th-century paper. Wide margins, strong plate impressions. Not sold with frames or matting board. Framing tips: A double mat with a soft cream or light ivory tone will enhance the delicate hand coloring, while a classic gilt or dark wood frame provides a timeless finish. For a more natural look, a walnut or oak frame can bring out the earthy tones in the birds and landscapes. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, France, 1770–1783

Dimensions:
Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
Sold As:
Set of 3
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Engraved
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1780
Condition:
Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully. NOTE: The prints are not supplied in a matting board. (can be provided on request).
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13493-18-2, BG-13493-18-7, BG-13493-18-61stDibs: LU3054340270622

More From This Seller

View All

Charming Vintage Hand-colored Bird Illustrations by Buffon, circa 1780

Located in Langweer, NL

These hand-colored engravings are various bird illustrations published by Buffon. They are from the work of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, a renowned French naturalist. T...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Charming Vintage Hand-colored Bird Illustrations by Buffon, circa 1780

$459 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Antique Bird Print of Various Bird Species, C.1852

Located in Langweer, NL

Untitled bird print featuring various bird species. This print originates from 'A History of the Earth and Animated Nature' by O. Goldsmith. Goldsmith's Animated Nature went through ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of Various Bird Species, C.1852

$166

Set of 3 Antique Bird Prints of various Wading Birds and Seabirds (c.1850)

Located in Langweer, NL

Set of three antique bird prints titled 'Le Becasseau - Le Chevalier - La Perdrix de Mer - L'Alouette de Mer' - 'Le Butor - La Spatule - La Barge Rousse - La Bécassine' - 'Le Fou de ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 3 Antique Bird Prints of various Wading Birds and Seabirds (c.1850)

$287 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Ornithological Treasures: A Collection of 19th Century Hand-Colored Bird Prints

Located in Langweer, NL

This beautiful collection of 19th-century hand-colored bird prints showcases a variety of exotic and native species. Each print is meticulously detailed, featuring vibrant colors and...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Ornithological Treasures: A Collection of 19th Century Hand-Colored Bird Prints

$536 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Avian Treasures from Buffon s Natural History: Hand-Colored Masterpieces, 1837

Located in Langweer, NL

Original hand-colored engravings from around 1837. They are from Buffon's "Natural History of Animals" books. The designer of these beautiful illustrations is Édouard Travies (1809-1...

Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Avian Treasures from Buffon s Natural History: Hand-Colored Masterpieces, 1837

$143 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Diverse Avian Species: An early 18th-Century Ornithological Study, 1811

Located in Langweer, NL

The image is an ornithological print from the early 19th century. It depicts various species of birds perched on branches. The birds are illustrated in vibrant colors with a high lev...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Diverse Avian Species: An early 18th-Century Ornithological Study, 1811

$277 Sale Price

20% Off

Early 20th Century English George IV Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Prideaux John Selby and Robert Mitford, 4 Hand Colored Restrike Prints of Birds

$1,200 / set

Set of 9 Original Antique Prints of Waterbirds After Francis Lydon, C.1880

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

Wonderful set of 9 antique prints of waterbirds Lithographs after the original drawings by Alexander Francis Lydon Original colour Published by John C. Nimmo, Circa 1880. Unframe...

Category

Antique 1880s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 9 Original Antique Prints of Waterbirds After Francis Lydon, C.1880

$240 / set

Free Shipping

Pair 17th Century John Johnston Historiae Naturalis Bird Engravings #3

By François Nicolas Martinet

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of antique copperplate engravings, from John Johnston's (1603-1675) "Enchiridion historiae naturalis" (1657), in black frames. John Johnston (1603-1675) was a scholar, physicia...

Category

Antique 17th Century Polish Prints

Materials

Paper

Pair 17th Century John Johnston Historiae Naturalis Bird Engravings #3

$995 / set

Three Antique Hand Colored Engravings of Birds

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Three 18th century hand colored engravings of parrot specimens as depicted by Peter Brown, an artist and naturalist, working in London England. Originally published in 1776 in a foli...

Category

Antique 18th Century English British Colonial Prints

Materials

Paper

Three Antique Hand Colored Engravings of Birds

$4,500 / set

Antique Hand Colored Bird Engravings, circa 1890 (6 individual pieces available)

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

#5- 3023a hand colored bird engraving. Original engraving matted in a Celidone green, glass and white wood frame. 6 available choice by ph...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Antique Hand Colored Bird Engravings, circa 1890 (6 individual pieces available)

$250 / item

Set of Twelve 18th Century Engravings of Birds

By George Edwards

Located in Richmond, GB

George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...

Category