Jacques de Sève (XVIII) - Le Magnifique / Le Superbe de la nouvelle Guinée

Jacques de Sève (attributed) – Birds of Paradise from New Guinea – Hand-coloured copper engraving – ca. 1760–1800

Original hand-coloured copper engraving, attributed to Jacques de Sève, one of the most important illustrators of French natural history in the 18th century.

The print depicts two exotic Birds of Paradise from New Guinea, described in the original French caption as:

“1. Le Magnifique de la nouvelle Guinée
2. Le Superbe de la nouvelle Guinée”

The engraving originates from an 18th-century natural history publication and shows the fine copper-engraved line work typical of the period, enhanced with contemporary hand colouring.

The vivid colours and the exotic subject make this an attractive and collectible early natural history print.

The print is mounted in a later, high-quality gilt frame, bearing a label from Conzen Rahmen Düsseldorf.

The frame is not original, but stylistically appropriate and equipped with a hanging device.

Condition
Print: good condition with age-related patina and light foxing
Hand colouring: well preserved
Frame: age-related wear
Overall in good, collectible condition

Dimensions
Overall size (including frame): 24 × 18 × 2 cm

With hanging fixture

Technique
Copper engraving

Hand coloured
Paper

Dating
Engraving and colouring: circa 1760–1800
Note

This is an original 18th-century print, not a later reproduction or modern print.