Jacques de Seve, Le Chien Loup, Etching, 1771

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Plate from histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, tom. V, pl. Xxix, p. 300. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid … Read more Plate from histoire naturelle, générale et particulière, tom. V, pl. Xxix, p. 300. Paris, 1771. Etching and engraving on laid paper. Sheet size: 24.5 × 19.5 cm. A finely engraved zoological plate depicting the wolf-dog standing in profile upon an elevated rocky foreground, its thick coat and curled tail rendered with delicate, controlled linework. The animal faces left beneath a dramatic nocturnal sky with crescent moon, while distant architectural forms recede into the background, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the composition. The plate exemplifies the refined balance between scientific documentation and aesthetic composition characteristic of buffon’s monumental enlightenment-era natural history. Signed in the plate lower left “de sève del.” and lower right “c. Baquoy sculp.” caption centered below: “le chien loup.” upper margin inscribed “tom. V.” and “pl. Xxix. Pag. 300.” a strong, well-inked impression with visible plate mark, printed on period laid paper. Condition: very good, with light age toning and minor marginal handling; faint central vertical fold from early binding, otherwise well preserved. A fine example from one of the most influential natural history publications of the 18th century. 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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