Bidspirit auction | Albin & D'Orbigny - Lot

Albin & D'Orbigny - Lot of 3 Bird Prints - Included from Albin work: Crane Greater Indian Crane Description of the work: This originally hand-colored etching is from Eleazar Albin's Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux or The Natural History of Birds . The work was published in London by W. Innys and R. Manby between 1738 and 1740. Each engraving is on J. Whatman watermarked, chain-linked paper. Eleazar Albin made his living creating watercolors of wealthy collectors' cabinets, including Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane's collection founded the British Museum. Many of these collectors then subscribed to his Natural History of Birds . The plates were completed by Eleazar as well as his children, Elizabeth and Fortinalus. In Albin's notes to the reader he states ”As for the paintings, they are all done from the life, with all the Exactness I could either with my own hand, or my daughters, whom I have taught to draw and paint after the life.” Included from D'Orbigny work: Hummingbird & Kingfisher Description of the work: This originally hand-colored, natural history plate is from Charles D’Orbigny’s work Dictionnaire Universel d’Histoire Naturelle . This first edition work was published in 1849 in Paris by Renard & Martinet. This engraving is from a large paper edition of the work. The entire work consisted of 288 engravings of flowers, birds, mammals, insects, fishes, and shells. The work was considered one of the paramount natural history collections of that time featuring wonderfully illustrated natural history plates. Many distinguished artists contributed to the work include Edouard Travies, Susemihl, Oudart, Werner, Vaillant, Meunier, Dalarue, Blanchard, Maubert, and Pretre. Most of the bird illustrations were provided by Travies who was a celebrated artist of his time. Each plate features the order, genus, and species printed in Latin and French in the lower margin. The plates feature great detail and attractive original hand coloring. Many of the plates were finished with shellac which adds to the strength of the coloring. Paper Size: ~ 9” by 11 1/4” ~ 9 1/4” by 11 3/4”