Comte de Buffon: Histoire Naturelle - Bird Print

Antiques : Accessories

 

This charming plate is from "Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière," by Georges Louis Marie Leclerc, Comte de Buffon's magnum opus which is "the most celebrated treatise on animals ever produced" (Dibner). He was considered the most important natural historian of his day with great influence on various scientific fields.

Comprised of a total of 44 volumes, the encyclopedic Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière revolutionized the study of natural history and was instrumental in both popularizing and elevating the field to the status of a serious discipline. With its comprehensive descriptions, exhaustive theories on botany, geography, zoology, and geology, and innovative approach to topics such as species classification and evolution, Buffon's publication was regarded as the seminal work on natural science. Issued in numerous successive editions in multiple languages, Histoire Naturelle was an overwhelming success that "rivaled Diderot's Encyclopedie in prestige and circulation, and ranks with that Enlightenment classic as an apotheosis of an age which sought to set down and explain everything" (Kestner, p.122). The publication of this monumental work established Buffon's reputation as the chief authority on natural history and as one of the most prominent figures of the Enlightenment.

The work is divided into four parts, and this print is from Oiseaux, vols. 11-14, with 210 plates, numbered 1 - 136, including numerous plates numbered 'bis' and 'ter', all coloured by hand.

Imprimerie Royale, 1749-1783. The lithography was done by the Brussels publisher, Th. Lejeune. Engraving with original hand-colouring, printed on fine laid paper. The illustrations were made under supervision of M. Meunier, draughtsman of the Cabinet d'Histoire Naturelle, and for the first time lithographed, which according to the Paris publisher allowed a much more truthful representation of live subjects

These prints are circa late 1700’s. Late 3rd Quarter – early 4th Quarter.

Overall frame size is 16” x 19”

Hand colored by: Bernard Direxit

Item ID: E085