Francois-Nicolas Martinet (1731-1800). Set of 2 Prints. Magnificent print from Comte de Buffon's fantastic work "Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux", published in Paris 1770 to 1786, originally hand-colored copper plate engravings. This work was the most famous and most comprehensive ornithological work of the 18th century, for which Francois Nicolas Martinet, the foremost bird artist of his time, provided all the bird illustrations. Great Bird Books says of this book "Truly the most ambitious and comprehensive bird book, still ranked as one of the most important of all bird books from the Collectors' point of view."Technique: Hand-colored Engraving.Place: France. Date: 1770. Size: 11” x 8” inches / 29 cm x 21 cm.