George Edwards (XVIII - Rare Ornithology Prints

Immerse yourself in the golden age of scientific discovery with this exquisite pair of hand-colored engravings by George Edwards (1694-1773), widely regarded as the father of British ornithology. These works are not mere decorative elements; they represent a bridge between rigorous historical science and the highest level of artistic mastery. Each plate evokes the meticulous observation of nature that characterized the Enlightenment salons of the eighteenth century. For the most discerning collector, acquiring a pair of Edwards's works means securing a timeless symbol of academic prestige and classical aesthetics, whose market value is continually reinforced by the enduring global passion for naturalistic art. A profound visual statement for an elegant interior or a sophisticated curatorial portfolio. This lot comprises two distinct and richly detailed plates. The first plate depicts a lively pair of perched birds on an intricate, sinuous branch, demonstrating the artist's mastery in rendering the texture of plumage. The second plate masterfully pairs a delicate "Yellow Wren" with the complex structure of the "Lesser Waterhen" (Porca macchiata), characterized by its iris in a deep red. Created with the traditional copper-engraving technique and finished with meticulous hand-coloring, these prints exhibit the soft tonal transitions and the depth of organic pigment typical of the period. Although offered here as a curated pair reflecting the artist's cohesive vision, they carry all the hallmarks of true eighteenth-century graphic production. Conditions Very Good; Material: Wove antique paper, Technique: Copper engraving hand-colored. XVIIIth Century (Mid-1700s). Color: Polychrome (natural-era pigments: yellows, volcanic greens, earths, organic reds). Signed in the engraved plate on the lower margin "G. Edwards." The lot will be adequately packed and shipped with contracted couriers and online tracking. For this lot, shipments outside the European Community are not made.