Rare 1769 Iceland Sheep Pair – Hand-Coloured Buffon Engravings Amsterdam

Rare 1769 Barbary Sheep Engraving – Hand-Coloured Buffon Amsterdam Edition This handsome hand-coloured 18th-century engraving, titled Le Mouton de Barbarie (Plate XXXVIII from Tome ...

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Sheep and Rams, Quadruped XXXII, c.1800 This original handcolored copperplate engraving depicts various breeds of sheep and rams, highlighting their unique physical characteristics and adaptations. The plate is from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), a 12-volume natural history encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830, celebrated for its educational and artistic contributions to zoology. The engraving includes: 1. A ram with curled horns, possibly a Mouflon (*Ovis orientalis*), depicted resting (Fig. 1). 2. A long-haired goat or primitive sheep breed, such as the Jacob sheep, characterized by its multiple horns (Fig. 2). 3. A domestic sheep breed, shown standing and with shorn wool, indicating agricultural significance (Fig. 3). 4. A woolly sheep...

Elegant 1769 Morvant Ram Engraving – Hand-Coloured Buffon Dutch Edition This impressive hand-coloured 18th-century engraving of the Morvant ram, titled Le Morvant, comes from the rare Dutch edition of Buffon’s monumental Histoire Naturelle, published in Amsterdam by J.H. Schneider in 1769. Appearing as Plate XXX in Tome XI, this striking portrait is one of the most distinctive and decorative sheep and goat engravings in the entire Buffon series. Drawn by Jacques de Sève, Buffon’s leading illustrator, and engraved with great refinement, the plate combines scientific accuracy with a strong visual presence, typical of the finest work in the quadruped volumes. The Morvant ram stands in full profile on a raised foreground bank, its powerful build, muscular legs, and long shaggy coat rendered with exquisite detail. De Sève’s elegant cross-hatching gives volume and texture to the thick wool and the dark mane that drapes down the animal’s chest. The curved horns, expressive eye, and firm stance emphasise both the strength and the calm dignity of the breed. The hand colouring, characteristic of the Amsterdam Schneider edition, enriches the engraving with warm brown tones, natural greens, and soft blues that bring the entire composition to life. Behind the ram, a landscape of minarets, domed buildings, and distant walls evokes the North African or Near Eastern setting associated with ancient regional breeds. The broad sky, shaded in subtle blue-grey washes, anchors the scene and provides an atmospheric backdrop that complements the earthy foreground tones. As a result, the plate balances scientific illustration and picturesque landscape in a way that remains highly desirable for collectors and decorators alike. Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle represented one of the most ambitious publishing achievements of the Enlightenment, combining zoological study with an artistic sensibility. The Morvant ram, a robust and historically important breed, was of particular interest for its adaptability, distinctive appearance, and long-standing role in agriculture and local culture. This engraving served as one of the earliest widely circulated visual records of the breed in Western Europe. More than 250 years old, this sheet remains bright, clean, and visually engaging. The strong plate mark, generous margins, and refined hand colouring make it an excellent standalone artwork or a perfect companion to related Buffon plates such as the Tunis ram, zebu, buffalo, or yak. Condition report: Very good for age. Minor toning and small foxing marks mostly confined to margins. Light handling marks typical of 18th-century paper. Strong impression with clearly visible plate mark. Hand colouring fresh and well preserved. No tears or repairs observed. Framing tips: Frame with an ivory, pale grey, or warm cream mat to complement the soft colouring of the wool and sky. A walnut or natural oak frame enhances the warm tones, while a slim black frame creates a more modern contrast. Floating the sheet is an excellent option to highlight the wide margins and plate mark. Keywords: Morvant ram engraving Buffon natural history Amsterdam 1769 Jacques de Sève hand coloured copper engraving antique sheep print...

Original antique print of a sheep and ram. This engraved print originates from a very rare unknown Dutch work. The plates are similar to the plates in the famous German work: ‘Bilder...

Le Belier D'Islande is an etching realized by Juste Chevillet in 1771. The artwork Belongs to the suite "Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière avec la description du Cabinet ...

'La Brebis' Copper-line engraving, circa 1765 From Buffon's "Histoire Naturelle, Generale et Particuliere Avec la Description du Cabinet du Roi" which was published in Paris. 24c...

La Brebis D'islande is an etching realized by Antoine Defehrt in 1771. It belongs to the suite "Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière avec la description du Cabinet du Roi". ...

'Race a tete noire, des Bruyeres' (Black-Faced Heath Breed - Ram). Lithograph with original hand-colouring by Hermann Eichens (1813-1886) from a drawing by W. Nicholson after a pain...