An original copper plate engraving of a Bittern and a Squacco Heron.
Drawn and engraved by Francois-Nicholas Martinet.
Hand coloured. Printed on strong cream coloured paper.
From The Comte de Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, published in Paris from 1770 to 1786. Book 5. Plate 37.
Size: 25 x 37 cms with the engraved part of the image measuring 23.6 x 29.2 cms.
Dated 1770.
Condition: Very Good. The engraved part of the image does not sit evenly upon the paper on which it is printed. This would not present a problem were the image to be framed. There are two strong creases running vertically through the piece and one fainter line. This is in consequence of the image having been folded into a book. There is a spot of foxing to the left of the bittern’s leg. The engraving is otherwise fresh and very clean.
