Jacques de Seve, Le Chien d’Islande, Etching, 1771

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Plate from histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, tom. V, pl. Xxxi, p. 300. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid … Read more Plate from histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, tom. V, pl. Xxxi, p. 300. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely engraved zoological plate depicting the icelandic dog standing in profile upon a gently elevated foreground, facing left. The animal’s compact form, pricked ears, and characteristically curled tail are rendered with delicate, closely worked hatching that defines the texture of the coat. A sparse northern landscape with low, tent-like structures and distant hills provides geographic context while maintaining the scientific clarity of the subject. Signed in the plate lower left “de sève delin.” and lower right “gaillard sculp.” caption centered below image: “le chien d’islande.” upper margin inscribed “tom. V.” and “pl. Xxxi. Pag. 300.” a strong, well-inked impression with visible plate mark, printed on period laid paper. Condition: very good, with light uniform age toning and a faint central vertical fold from early binding; minor marginal handling and occasional light spotting consistent with age. A fine example from buffon’s monumental enlightenment natural history, illustrating the comparative study of regional canine types within his systematic classification. 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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