After Jacques de Sève, Tunisian Ram, 1769, Print

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Hand-colored buffon “le bélier de tunis” – antique tunis ram print, 1770s this striking hand-colored engraving, titled “le bélier de … Read more Hand-colored buffon “le bélier de tunis” – antique tunis ram print, 1770s this striking hand-colored engraving, titled “le bélier de tunis,” is one of the most decorative and sought-after plates from georges-louis leclerc, comte de buffon’s histoire naturelle, tome xi, published in the 1770s. Engraved with exceptional precision and colored shortly after publication, it represents the tunis ram, a celebrated north african breed admired in the 18th century for its distinctive profile, heavy fleece, and characteristic black-and-white facial markings. The composition is particularly rich and theatrical: the ram stands elevated on a rocky foreground, rendered with carefully layered tones of ochre, green, and brown. Behind it rises a superb architectural scene, likely an idealized view of tunis, complete with minarets, domes, and a crescent moon that reinforces the exoticism sought by european naturalists of the period. Buffon’s illustrator, de sève, is well known for his ability to blend scientific clarity with highly atmospheric landscapes, and this plate is a perfect example of that aesthetic balance. The hand-coloring is beautifully preserved — soft blues in the sky, delicate greys and golds in the fleece, and warm architectural reds and earth tones in the background. Unlike later or crude recolorings, this sheet shows the transparency and finesse consistent with 18th-century watercolor work. As a standalone artwork, this engraving offers strong visual impact and a rich sense of place. Combined with the valachian sheep and ram plates you provided earlier, it can form an even more spectacular natural history grouping. Buffon’s animal engravings in original color continue to be highly desirable for collectors, interior designers, and anyone seeking distinctive wall art with both scientific and decorative value. A superb example of early zoological illustration and an elegant decorative print from one of the greatest natural history publications of the enlightenment. Condition report very good condition overall. Paper retains its original 18th-century laid structure with visible chain lines. Strong plate impression all around. Light, typical age toning in the margins, a few scattered tiny foxing spots, and minimal handling marks consistent with age. No tears, losses, stains, or repairs. Wide margins preserved. Colors remain fresh and luminous. Framing tips this print frames beautifully on its own or as part of a curated buffon series. Ideal frame choices include: * thin antique-gold molding for a classical european look, * or warm natural wood (walnut or maple) for a modern, clean presentation. A cream or soft ivory mat enhances the hand-coloring, while a double mat with a thin gold inner line echoes the warm tones of the ram’s fleece. Works exceptionally well in pairs or triptychs of buffon’s exotic sheep and goat breeds. Optimized tags / keywords: buffon, histoire naturelle, tunis ram, bélier de tunis, antique print, 18th century engraving, hand-colored engraving, natural history art, zoological illustration, enlightenment science, rare sheep breed, decorative wall art, french engraving, de sève, tunis sheep, farm animal art, exotic animals, antique zoology print, collectible print, natural history decor, scientific illustration, 1770s hand coloring, buffon tome xi See less