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French Large Engraving of an Eagle by Savigny
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About the Item
The Eastern Imperial Eagle, from the Description de l'Égypte
Jules-César Savigny
Bouquet Snr. (Engraver), Plate 12, Published 1809-1813
This magnificent and historically important stipple engraving is a primary document from one of the most ambitious scholarly projects ever undertaken: the Description de l'Égypte. The print is a superb example of Neoclassical scientific illustration, depicting the majestic Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) with remarkable precision and artistry. It represents the grand intersection of Napoleonic ambition, Enlightenment science, and the "rediscovery" of ancient Egypt by the West.
Description and Iconography
This large-format engraving, taken from the Natural History section of the Description, was based on the original fieldwork and drawings of the expedition's chief zoologist, Jules-César Savigny. The plate was then masterfully executed by the engraver Bouquet Snr. using the stipple technique, which employs thousands of fine dots to create subtle tones and textures, beautifully rendering the eagle's powerful form and plumage.
The subject is not only zoologically significant but also culturally resonant. The Eastern Imperial Eagle was a potent symbol in antiquity; it is the species whose image was used on the coins of the Ptolemaic kings of Egypt and was sometimes associated with the ancient goddess Hathor. The plate is inscribed with the names of the author and engraver, and the plate number.
Historical Background
Context 🧐
Napoleon's Expedition and the "Savants": This engraving is a direct result of Napoleon Bonaparte's military and scientific expedition to Egypt from 1798 to 1801. Accompanying the army was a corps of 160 civilian scholars and scientists, known as the savants, tasked with meticulously documenting every aspect of Egypt—its ancient monuments, modern culture, geography, and natural history.
The Description de l'Égypte: The collected findings were published by the French government between 1809 and 1829 in a monumental, multi-volume work that is considered a landmark of scholarship and book production. The Description effectively launched the modern science of Egyptology and ignited a wave of "Egyptomania" across Europe and America. This fascination with all things Egyptian would profoundly influence art, architecture, fashion, and design for decades.
A Work of Art and Science: This engraving is therefore more than just a beautiful print. It is a primary artifact from a pivotal moment in the history of science and exploration, a tangible piece of the colossal effort that brought the wonders of Egypt to the attention of the modern world.
Details
Title: Histoire Naturelle - Oiseaux (Natural History - Birds), Plate 12
Author/Artist: J. Ces. Savigny
Engraver: Bouquet Snr.
Technique: Stipple Engraving
Dimensions: 32 3/4 inches high x 25 1/4 inches wide (83.19 cm×64.14 cm).
(Ref: NY7284-lmr)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.75 in (83.19 cm)Width: 25.25 in (64.14 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
- Style:Regency (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1809-1813
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent- Great strength of colour.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: NY7284-lmr1stDibs: U1009118610155
About the Seller
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