An original copper plate engraving of what I believe to be a Male Snowy Duck and a Male Whistling 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 number 35.
Dated 1770.
Size: 25 x 35.5 cms with the engraved part of the image measuring 23.5 x 29 cms.
Condition: Very Good. There are three spots of foxing across the image. The engraving does not sit squarely on the paper upon which it has been pressed. This fault could be resolved were it mounted for framing. A strong crease runs vertically through the image; also fainter creases to the right and left. These are in consequence of the engraving having been folded into a book.
