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18th Century Johann Seligmann Bird Print of a Spotted Woodpecker

$1,850List Price

About the Item

A Plumage of Prestige: The Seligmann Spotted Woodpecker Nuremberg, Germany, Circa 1770–1773 This exceptional hand-coloured engraving, titled "Le Pivert Moucheté des Indes," is a standout plate from the celebrated French edition of Recueil de divers Oiseaux étrangers et peu communs. The work is based on the original drawings of the renowned British naturalist George Edwards and was re-engraved with exquisite precision by Johann Michael Seligmann in Nuremberg. The composition depicts the bird in a characteristic pose atop a weathered branch, showcasing the intricate detail of its plumage and the delicate application of original 18th-century hand-colouring. Adding to its cross-cultural appeal, the engraving features formal titles in German, Latin, and French, identifying the specimen as "Picus, Bengalensis, maculatus". The presentation is uniquely enhanced by a period-style decoupage frame that mirrors the botanical and entomological themes of the era. The frame is meticulously adorned with cut-outs of fruit, butterflies, and foliage, creating a harmonious and immersive decorative border that celebrates the diversity of the natural world. Dimensions 18 inches (45.72 cm) High 14 1/2 inches (36.83 cm) Wide 1 inch (2.54 cm) Deep Condition Report The engraving is in very good antique condition, with the original hand-colouring remaining bright and well-defined. The paper shows a gentle, age-appropriate toning that enhances its character, and the trilingual inscriptions at the bottom of the plate remain clear and legible. The decoupage frame is well-preserved, with the decorative elements securely attached and the overall structure maintaining its integrity. Provenance Private Collection. Historical Context Johann Michael Seligmann was a pivotal figure in the golden age of natural history publishing in Nuremberg, a city that served as a major European hub for scientific engraving. His most significant contribution was the re-engraving of the works of George Edwards and Mark Catesby, making their groundbreaking documentation of global fauna accessible to a Continental audience. During this period, the study of ornithology was fueled by the "Scientific Gaze" of the Enlightenment, yet these works were equally prized for their artistic merit. The Recueil de divers Oiseaux was a monumental project that sought to bridge the gap between British and European scientific communities. The use of a decoupage frame for this specific piece highlights a fascinating historical practice where collectors would personalize their prints, transforming a standard scientific plate into a bespoke piece of interior decor that signaled both intellectual curiosity and refined taste.

Creator:
Johann Michael Seligmann (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Georgian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
1770-1779
Date of Manufacture:
1770s
Condition:
Seller Location:
Downingtown, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: NY9716E-KIRX1stDibs: LU861042733142

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