Georges Buffon

ORIGINAL, Antique, Natural History Beetle Engravings, from the series by Paul Martinet, with bright hand coloring. 255 x 210mm (10 x 8 1/4in). Superb condition. Beautifully framed with burled and marquetry walnut/mahogany frames, protective glass, and acid-free matting. Purchased at Lowry-James Rare Books and Prints in Washington, c. 2004.

Antique print 1 , titled: 'Capricornes. 1. L'Arlequin, de Cayenne,' - Plate 64. Capricorn beetles from Guiana.

Antique print 2, titled: 'Capricornes, Capricorne du Senegal- Plate 90. Capricorn beetles from Senegal.

Hand-colored etching/engraving on hand laid (verge) paper, from 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux.', by Comte de Buffon, published in Paris from 1770 to 1786, considered the most important 18th c. ornithological work, and most the beautiful ed. of Buffon's works, containing 1008 hand-colored plates. Produced by 'Francois-Nicolas Martinet' (1725-1804), a French engineer and engraver at the Court of Versailles.

Georges-Louis Le Clerc, Comte de Buffon (September 7, 1707 - April 16, 1788). French naturalist, mathematician, biologist, cosmologist and author. Buffon's views influenced the next two generations of naturalists, including Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Design Modified
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent, given age. Bright colors; clean background with very little foxing. Kept in storage, out of the light.

Origin:
France

Materials & Techniques:
Engraving, Etching, Glass, Paper

Details:
Frame Type: Framed
Art Subjects: Animals
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: France

Original Design Modified; Some Imperfections; Excellent, given age. Bright colors; clean background with very little foxing. Kept in storage, out of the light.