Sepp & Nozeman, Female Common Shelduck, 1789, Print

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Female Common Shelduck – Antique Dutch Bird Print by Sepp & Nozeman, 1789 This beautifully hand-colored copper engraving, published in … Read more Female Common Shelduck – Antique Dutch Bird Print by Sepp & Nozeman, 1789 This beautifully hand-colored copper engraving, published in 1789, features the female of the Common Shelduck species (Tadorna tadorna), a striking waterfowl native to Europe and parts of Asia. The print is from the renowned ornithological work 'Nederlandsche Vogelen' by Christiaan Sepp and Cornelis Nozeman, the first major scientific work to document and illustrate the birds of the Netherlands in comprehensive detail. The female Shelduck is depicted standing in profile on a rocky outcrop, her plumage richly detailed with vivid contrasts of black, white, chestnut, and iridescent green. Her proud posture and bold coloring are faithfully rendered, showing the engraver’s sensitivity to both anatomical structure and natural beauty. A notable feature of this print is the inclusion of the species’ egg shown above, drawn with attention to texture and light, further highlighting the educational aim of the series. 'Nederlandsche Vogelen' was produced between 1770 and 1829 in a series of installments, and each plate was engraved and meticulously hand-colored shortly after printing. The work is celebrated not only for its scientific accuracy but also for its artistic excellence, and it remains one of the most visually appealing ornithological series ever published in Europe. Condition: Very good condition. Fine original hand coloring. Mild age toning, with a few small, faint spots mostly in the margins. Plate mark clearly visible. No tears or repairs. Verso blank. Framing suggestion: We recommend a wide cream or ivory mat in a dark-stained wooden frame, which will complement the earthy tones and elegant color palette of the bird. Museum glass is ideal to protect the delicate pigments. This print makes an excellent standalone piece or a fine addition to a curated group of Sepp & Nozeman waterfowl prints. See less