California Birds, 1798, Paper, Set of 2

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California Birds – Northern California Honeyeater and Port Français Thrush, c.1800 This attractive pair of early ornithological engravings depicts two … Read more California Birds – Northern California Honeyeater and Port Français Thrush, c.1800 This attractive pair of early ornithological engravings depicts two bird species observed along the Pacific coast of North America during late 18th-century French exploration. The left plate shows Promerops de la Californie Septentrionale, a long-billed bird perched on a branch, rendered with careful attention to posture and plumage. The right plate, titled Merle du Port des Français, depicts a thrush-like species associated with Port des Français (Lituya Bay, Alaska), an important anchorage visited by French expeditions in the 1780s. Both plates originate from French scientific publications documenting the natural history encountered during voyages in the North Pacific, most notably those connected to the expeditions of La Pérouse. These engravings were produced for a European audience eager for accurate visual records of newly encountered fauna, combining scientific observation with refined neoclassical engraving techniques. The compositions are restrained and elegant, focusing entirely on the bird subjects without decorative backgrounds, a hallmark of serious natural history illustration of the period. The engravings are executed with fine, even lines and subtle tonal gradation, conveying feather texture and anatomical structure with clarity. The clean plate borders and French captions beneath each image confirm their origin as individual plates from a larger zoological series rather than later decorative bird prints. As such, they appeal equally to collectors of early American natural history, French exploration imagery, and minimalist natural science art. Offered here as a visually balanced pair, the prints work exceptionally well when framed together, creating a harmonious diptych suitable for both classical and contemporary interiors. Their neutral palette and generous margins allow them to integrate easily into refined decorative schemes while retaining strong scholarly and historical value. Condition: Good condition overall. Light, even age toning to the paper with occasional small spots and faint handling marks, consistent with age. Plates are cleanly printed with clear details and full margins. No restoration observed. Framing tips: These prints are best presented as a pair in matching frames. Consider light natural wood or dark walnut frames with wide off-white mats to emphasize the engraving detail and negative space. Museum glass is recommended. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: French school, published in Paris, late 18th century, circa 1790–1800 See less