Items Similar to Seasonal Plumage of a Life Seize Engraving of the Common Oystercatcher, 1826
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Seasonal Plumage of a Life Seize Engraving of the Common Oystercatcher, 1826
About the Item
Large original hand-colored antique ornithological print made by Selby and published around 1826.
This engraving is an exquisite print from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology," showcasing the Common Oystercatcher in both its summer and winter plumages. The two birds are depicted with remarkable detail, emphasizing the striking color contrast in their feathers and the robust, orange-red bill that is characteristic of the species.
Description: This plate from Selby's acclaimed collection portrays the Common Oystercatcher, a bird well-known for its vivid plumage and distinctive foraging habits along coastlines. On the left, the Oystercatcher is shown in its bold summer plumage, with deep black upperparts and clean white underparts, a stark visual that is both striking to the observer and functional for the bird's mating rituals. On the right, the winter plumage is represented, illustrating the subtle variations that occur with the change of seasons. The bird is engaged in a characteristic behavior—probing for shellfish, which reflects Selby’s attention to detail and commitment to illustrating birds within their natural habitats. The print is a testament to Selby's skill in capturing the essence of the species with scientific accuracy while producing a work of art that appeals to both ornithologists and art connoisseurs.
The artist, Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867), was an English ornithologist, botanist, and artist renowned for his detailed and realistic illustrations of birds. His work "Illustrations of British Ornithology" was a significant contribution to scientific knowledge of British birds in the 19th century and is known for its accuracy and the beauty of its illustrations. Selby's works are an important part of the history of ornithological art and study.
Prideaux John Selby is often ranked among the greatest avian illustrators, sharing the distinction with peers such as John James Audubon and John Gould. His illustrations were characterized by both ornithological precision and a sense of aesthetic grace, rendering each bird in its natural habitat with a focus on both scientific detail and visual charm. Mirroring Audubon's approach, Selby's renditions were notable for their life-sized portrayals.
Selby's personal involvement in the etching process of his grand folio series set him apart, as he took on the intricate task of engraving many of the plates himself—a skill he learned from his brother-in-law, Admiral Robert Mitford. Mitford not only taught Selby the etching technique but also actively participated in creating the etchings for "Illustrations of British Ornithology."
Christine E. Jackson, a scholar, highlighted the unique aspects of Selby's artistry, praising the refined and understated elegance of his plates—a stark contrast to the ornate Victorian style of John Gould. Jackson commended Selby for producing what were at the time the most life-like and dynamic representations of British birds, marking a significant departure from previous depictions that often appeared rigid and diminutive. This leap in the portrayal of birds, with its combination of life-sized, animated illustrations, represented a monumental step forward in the art of bird illustration.
The paper's watermark, J. Whatman, indicates the paper manufacturer, which was a renowned English papermaking company known for high-quality drawing and writing papers. The dates 1822-28 suggest the period during which the paper was produced but the watermark show the year 1826.
We have more bird prints of Selby online.
- Dimensions:Height: 21.26 in (54 cm)Width: 25.99 in (66 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1826
- Condition:Good, especially considering age. Some light browning below bird no.2 Study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13679-61stDibs: LU3054338183192
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,417 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllThe Little Auk - A Life Seize Study Engraved in Seasonal Plumage by Selby, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
This print from "Illustrations of British Ornithology" by Prideaux John Selby features the Little Auk in both its summer and winter plumages. The illustration captures the distinctiv...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Depiction of the Common Turnstone: Seasonal and Sexual Plumage Variations, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
Large original hand-colored antique ornithological print made by Selby and published around 1826.
The image is a colored etching from "Ill...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Seasonal Plumage of the Sanderling: Selby's Ornithological Study, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
Large original antique print with two illustrations of birds, which are finely detailed and colored, from a series of ornithological studies. The print is engraved with the signature...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
"Plate XV: The Sandpipers - A Study in Seasonal and Developmental Plumage, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
Large original hand-colored antique ornithological print made by Selby and published around 1826.
This particular print from Prideaux John...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Large Engraving by Selby of The Black Tern in Seasonal Transformation, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
Large original hand-colored antique ornithological print made by Selby and published around 1826.
The print from Prideaux John Selby's "Il...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Handcolored Engraving of The Little Gull by Selby, 1826
Located in Langweer, NL
A beautifully detailed print from Prideaux John Selby's "Illustrations of British Ornithology," depicting the Little Gull in various stages of plumage.
The artwork features an adul...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
1826 George Smith’s The Upholsterer’s Guide A Hand Tinted Textile Engraving
By George Smith
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A original hand coloured copperplate engraving from George Smith’s The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide published by Jones & Co, London, 1826.
George Smith was upholsterer and ...
Category
Antique 1820s English George IV Prints
Materials
Paper
German copperplate engraving of the nativity, 1600's
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Copperplate engraving of the nativity printed on hand laid paper. The piece has an incredible level of fine detail for the diminutive size of the work.
...
Category
Antique 17th Century German Prints
Materials
Paper
The First of September "Morning" Engraving, 1799
Located in Carmel, CA
Mezzotint engraving, 1799, The First of September, after painting by George Moreland. Moreland was a noted London landscape and genre painter. By the...
Category
Antique 1790s English Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Eleven Colored Engravings of the Defeat of the Spanish Armada
Located in Essex, MA
By John Pine considered the foremost heraldic and decorative engraver of his generation. Depicting the defeat of the Spanish by the English Fleet in 1588. These are after a set of ta...
Category
Antique 1740s Prints
Materials
Paper, Glass, Wood, Giltwood
“The Restaurant of the House of Representatives” Engraving by Harper's Weekly
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This original wood engraving is titled “The Restaurant of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.” It was published as a double-page image, in the August 12, 1893 issue of the famous 19th century newspaper Harper’s Weekly. The print was illustrated by Charles Stanley Reinhardt.
The House Restaurant, a unique part of life in the Capitol, has been in the same location since the 1857 Capitol Expansion. Congressional members’ busy work schedule made the availability of food on site a necessity. But the restaurant also served as an informal meeting spot for members to continue conversations and deal making.
This 1893 print illustrates the convivial atmosphere. Details including elegantly dressed tables...
Category
Antique 1890s American Prints
Materials
Paper
French Engraving "The Monument"
Located in Carmel, CA
"The Monument"
W H Toms, scup (engraver)
Plate size; 13.75 X 8.25
Frame size: 23.5 X 18
The print is hand colored, and framed with museum grade mat and carved frame.
Category
