11344 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – Ornithological Study of Great Petrels and Chinese Diver – Engraving (18th Century)
"Histoire Naturelle, Ornithologie" illustrates three distinct avian studies including a Chinese Diver catching a fish, a Giant Petrel floating on the water's surface, and a large-scale anatomical profile of the Giant Petrel's head and hooked beak. The work showcases the characteristic tubular nostrils and heavy bill structure of the petrel species, rendered with scientific clarity and fine hatching. This copper engraving was produced for an encyclopedic work of the eighteenth century, such as the Tableau encyclopedique et methodique des trois regnes de la nature, a major natural history project of the Enlightenment era.
Robert Bénard was a French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations, becoming the director of the engraving department for the Diderot and d'Alembert Encyclopedie. He was highly regarded for his ability to translate complex scientific data into clear visual formats, working extensively on maps and natural history plates. His output was prolific, contributing thousands of plates to the most significant intellectual publications of the late eighteenth century in Paris. Bénard's precise technique defined the standard for educational illustration during this period, influencing the development of biological and zoological documentation across Europe.
Artist or Maker: Robert Bénard.
Dimensions: Approximately 29 cm x 22 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: (18th Century).
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Värdering | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
Dahlströms Rare Prints
Harju maakond, Tallinn
Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
Estland
info@dahlstromsrareprints.com
© Software Copyright 2026 Skeleton. All rights reserved.