An original copper plate engraving of a Male Merganser Duck.
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 6. Plate 23.
Size: 25.2 x35.7 cms with the engraved part of the image measuring 21 x 24.5 cms.
Dated 1770.
Condition: Very Good. The paper upon which the engraving has been pressed is not even in shape. There is a strong crease running vertically through the center of the piece and a fainter line to its immediate left. This is in consequence of the image having been folded into a book. A faint grey shadow - the duck in reverse - shows to the left of the engraved part of the paper. Also a consequence of the image having been folded into a book. It would not show were the engraving mounted for framing. The engraving is otherwise fresh and very clean.
