147 François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–c. 1804) – The Bald Jackdaw of Cayenne (Choucas chauve, de Cayenne) – Hand-coloured Engraving (Circa 1775)
This vivid ornithological illustration, titled Choucas chauve, de Cayenne, depicts the Bald Jackdaw of Cayenne, an exotic species native to South America. The bird is rendered in profile, showcasing its distinct coloring—brown and reddish-orange plumage with black flight feathers—and the pale, featherless skin around its eyes. The bird is perched on a small, natural mound. The print originated from the monumental series Planches Enluminées d'Histoire Naturelle (Hand-Coloured Plates of Natural History), an iconic collection of plates commissioned by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, to accompany his treatise on the natural history of birds.
François-Nicolas Martinet was a highly accomplished French engineer, draftsman, and natural history illustrator, primarily known for his meticulous and extensive contributions to ornithology. He was the sole artist and engraver responsible for the thousand-plus plates in Buffon’s Planches Enluminées d'Histoire Naturelle, establishing him as the foremost bird illustrator in 18th-century France. Martinet’s works remain critical historical documents of zoological knowledge from the Enlightenment era.
Artist or Maker: François-Nicolas Martinet
Dimensions: Approximately 32 × 23 cm
Medium: Hand-coloured 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 | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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