11345 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – Ornithological Study of Anhingas, Tropicbirds, and Grebes – Engraving (18th Century)
"Histoire Naturelle, Ornithologie" illustrates several aquatic avian species, including two varieties of the Anhinga or darter perched on a shoreline, a red-billed tropicbird, and a finfoot grebe. The composition highlights the long, slender necks of the darters and the elongated tail streamers of the tropicbird, rendered with scientific clarity and fine line work typical of Enlightenment-era documentation. 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, which aimed to provide a comprehensive visual record of the natural world.
Robert Bénard was a French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations, eventually 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 |
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