Sepp & Nozeman, Marsh Tit and Nest, 1770, Paper

Details

Description

This delicately hand-coloured engraving titled Parus Palustris depicts the marsh tit (Poecile palustris), known in Dutch as the rietmees, in … Read more This delicately hand-coloured engraving titled Parus Palustris depicts the marsh tit (Poecile palustris), known in Dutch as the rietmees, in a beautifully detailed natural setting. Two birds are shown among slender reed stalks and a winding branch of alder, one perched mid-branch and the other in flight. At the heart of the composition lies a finely rendered nest woven tightly between the reeds, cradling a clutch of speckled eggs. The scene evokes the quiet intimacy of the breeding season in lowland wetlands, combining scientific observation with poetic charm. The print originates from *Nederlandsche Vogelen*, the monumental Dutch ornithological series published in Amsterdam between 1770 and 1829. It was the first comprehensive study of the birds of the Netherlands and remains one of the great achievements of Enlightenment-era natural history publishing.

Condition report Very good condition. Sharp impression with full margins and visible plate mark. Slight age-related toning and minor handling creases limited to the blank margin. No foxing, staining, or restoration. The colouring is fresh and detailed. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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