This is not a hand-colored engraving, it is an original, exquisitely executed ink and watercolor drawing—one of several I purchased from a seller in Germany, c. 1840s I believe. Whether made in advance of, or after, an engraving for a zoological volume I am not certain (though I'd guess the former)--whatever the case, quite spectacular, and with the fantastic execution amplifying a sense of wonder at these marvelous-to-begin-with creatures. These four members of the Columbidae family, which encompasses doves and pigeons, include the European Turtle Dove (now endangered), the Stock Dove, the Rock Dove (or Common Pigeon), and the Barbary Dove--all of which this rendering manages to make seem highly exotic. In addition to the fine birds themselves, I like their arrangement here in a grid of four, each perched on a branch (but for the pigeon on a paver!) and facing one another like friends or love birds!
10 5/8" x 8 5/8" and in very good condition. The last photo was shot directly over a lamp, to give a sense of the paper, which appears to me to be wove--relatively thin but quite strong.
You might also like
