Fine engraved plate of two New Guinea kingfishers, prepared for the official account of the Duperrey voyage of 1822-1825.
Paris: [Arthus Bertrand], circa 1826.
Engraved plate, 505 x 330mm., original handcolouring.
Hand-coloured natural history of the Duperrey voyage
Magnificent ornithological study of two kingfishers collected during the French scientific voyage of discovery of 1822-1825 under the command of Louis-Isidore Duperrey.
Magnificent ornithological study of two kingfishers collected during the French scientific voyage of discovery of 1822-1825 under the command of Louis-Isidore Duperrey.
The Duperrey expedition was significant for the staggering volume and diversity of natural history specimens collected and shipped back to France. The natural history plates of the official voyage account are considered some of the most beautiful natural history illustrations of the nineteenth-century: this splendid example of two New Guinea kingfishers is well preserved with the vibrant original handcolouring.
Condition Report: Closed tear to blank margin and a little light foxing, very good condition.