Madame Pauline Knip Engravings of a Bird, Columba Coronata

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Description

"Columba Coronata" (Crowned Pigeon):
Large-Scale Ornithological Engraving by Madame Knip
(c. 1809–1811)

From a collection- we have a number of … Read more "Columba Coronata" (Crowned Pigeon):
Large-Scale Ornithological Engraving by Madame Knip
(c. 1809–1811)

From a collection- we have a number of other examples from the publication framed the same way.

A magnificent and rare large-format color engraving of the Western Crowned Pigeon (Columba coronata), also known as the "Goura." This plate originates from the celebrated and controversial ornithological folio Les Pigeons (Paris, 1809–1811), credited to the pioneering female bird artist Madame Antoinette Pauline Knip (née Rifer de Courcelles).

The image is a masterpiece of early 19th-century scientific illustration. The bird is renowned for its spectacular, fan-like crest of lacey blue feathers, which Madame Knip captured with extraordinary precision. The engraving is "printed in color and finished by hand," a labor-intensive technique that renders the deep slate-blue plumage and rich maroon wing patches with a luminous, three-dimensional quality.

The print is expertly floated within a gallery-quality giltwood frame with a clean white mat and protected by Tru-Vue UV conservation glass to preserve the delicate pigments.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. The hand-coloring remains vibrant and fresh. Paper is clean with wide margins.

Measurements:
Frame: 28 3/4 inches high x 21 3/4 inches wide x 1 1/4 inches deep (73.0 cm x 55.3 cm)
Sight: 20 3/4 inches high x 13 1/4 inches wide (52.7 cm x 33.7 cm)

Historical Context: Les Pigeons is famous in bibliographic history for the "publishing scandal" surrounding its creation. The text was authored by the eminent zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, but Madame Knip (and her husband) maneuvered to have the title page altered to feature her name as the primary author, effectively erasing the scientist's contribution. Despite the controversy, the "Knip Edition" remains one of the most beautiful bird books ever produced, prized for its artistic elegance and scientific accuracy.

Literature & Reference:

Conrad Temminck & Florentine Prévost, Les Pigeons (Paris, 1809–1811).

Alexandra K. Neuman, "Publishing, Pretense, and Pigeons: The Case of Madame Knip," Smithsonian Libraries and Archives.

(Ref: NY09698-08) See less