Bertuch, Toucan, Hornbill and Birds of Paradise, 1790, Engraving

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Original antique print of toucan, hornbill and birds of paradise by bertuch, c.1790 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four … Read more Original antique print of toucan, hornbill and birds of paradise by bertuch, c.1790 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting four spectacular exotic birds, published in friedrich justin bertuch’s celebrated “bilderbuch für kinder” around the end of the 18th century. The plate is titled “vögel vii / aves vii / oiseaux vii” and bears the reference “i.b.42” at lower right. It presents a remarkable selection of tropical birds distinguished by their extravagant bills, brilliant plumage and exceptionally long tail feathers. Fig. 1 depicts a bird of paradise, shown with an extraordinary cascade of fine, elongated ornamental feathers. Birds of paradise were among the most celebrated exotic birds encountered by european naturalists and collectors, admired particularly for the elaborate plumage of the males. Fig. 2 shows a spectacular long-tailed tropical bird with dark plumage, green details around the head and an exceptionally long blue-green tail extending almost the entire height of the plate. Fig. 3 depicts a large hornbill, immediately recognizable by its enormous yellow bill and prominent casque above the upper mandible. The bird is represented with predominantly black plumage contrasting against the white underside and brightly colored bill. Fig. 4 shows a toucan perched on a branch. Its oversized orange-red bill, yellow throat and dark body create one of the strongest color contrasts in the composition. A separate study of elongated feathers appears at the bottom of the plate, further emphasizing the extraordinary plumage of the exotic birds represented. The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring in black, green, blue, yellow, orange and red. The combination of a toucan, hornbill, bird of paradise and spectacular long-tailed bird makes this one of the more decorative ornithological plates from bertuch’s natural-history series. Friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) was a german publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “bilderbuch für kinder” (picture book for children), first published in weimar in 1790, became one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates introduced readers to animals, plants, geography, science, technology, antiquity and cultures from around the world. Creator: friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) source: bilderbuch für kinder plate: vögel vii / aves vii / oiseaux vii reference: i.b.42 subjects: bird of paradise long-tailed tropical bird hornbill toucan place of publication: weimar, germany date of manufacture: circa 1790 period: late 18th century style: neoclassical – in the period of medium: original hand-colored copper engraving on paper condition: good. Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning with scattered foxing, spotting and minor marks. Some marginal wear and small edge irregularities are visible, consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive, particularly the blue, green, yellow and orange details. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition. Please note: this is an original antique engraving from the late 18th century, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Other companion bird and natural-history plates from bertuch’s “bilderbuch für kinder” are also available separately. Keywords: antique bird print, toucan print, hornbill print, bird of paradise print, exotic birds, tropical birds, long tailed bird, antique ornithology, bird engraving, natural history print, tropical decor, cabinet of curiosities, bertuch print, friedrich justin bertuch, hand colored engraving, 18th century bird print See less