142 Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707–1788) – Set of Two: The Starling and The Oriole – Copperplate Engraving (Circa 1775)

This set of two engravings depicts two species of European birds: The Starling (L'Etourneau) and The Oriole (Le Loriot). Each plate features a detailed rendering of the bird perched on a small landscape setting. These prints are illustrations from the influential natural history series Histoire Naturelle, générale et particulière, commissioned and overseen by Buffon and published in the second half of the 18th century. The plates were created to visually document the extensive animal kingdom described in the text volumes, forming a comprehensive visual encyclopedia of the time.
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, was a celebrated French naturalist, mathematician, and cosmologist of the Enlightenment. As the superintendent of the Jardin du Roi (King’s Garden), he oversaw the creation of his monumental work, the Histoire Naturelle, a massive, 44-volume encyclopedia intended to synthesize all known knowledge about the natural world. This comprehensive project, which included volumes dedicated to birds, quadrupeds, and minerals, cemented his status as a key figure in modern natural history and significantly influenced subsequent generations of European naturalists.
Artist or Maker: Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
Dimensions: Approximately 20 × 14 cm (each image)
Medium: Copperplate Engraving
Date: Circa 1775
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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