What is an 18th-century hand-coloured ornithological engraving?

A hand-coloured ornithological engraving is a natural history illustration produced by incising an image onto a copper plate, printing it onto paper, and subsequently applying watercolours by hand. Popular during the Enlightenment, these prints documented avian species for scientific and decorative purposes.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century printmaking?

These prints were produced using heavy rag paper, oil-based printing inks, and organic watercolour pigments applied with fine brushes. Frames from the period typically feature carved wood finished with leaf gilding or lacquer.

How can you identify authentic 18th-century copperplate engravings?

Authentic engravings from this era exhibit a distinct plate mark, which is a visible impression around the artwork left by the metal plate under printing pressure. Additionally, hand colouring displays subtle manual variations, and the laid paper often reveals chain lines when held to light.

How do you style antique natural history prints in modern interiors?

Antique natural history prints work well displayed individually or arranged in a gallery wall format. Pair them with contemporary furnishings, dark wood cabinetry, or alongside brass accents to highlight their historical character.

How should framed antique works on paper be preserved?

Keep framed prints away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures to prevent fading and foxing. Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to preserve the paper and original hand colouring.

for sale €878 $953

£750

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C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Name: C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233032
Price: 750 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

c. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving By François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Brief Description:

This is a beautiful and highly decorative original 18th-century hand-coloured ornithological engraving by the celebrated French natural-history illustrator and engraver François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800).

Dating from circa 1760, the work depicts the striking “Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar” – the Blue Wood Pigeon of Madagascar – portrayed in profile amongst delicately rendered foliage, flowers and a naturalistic rocky landscape.

The magnificent bird is depicted with wonderfully rich deep blue plumage, contrasting red legs and eye surround, while the surrounding botanical details are picked out in subtle shades of green and yellow.

The image was drawn and engraved by Martinet, with the original printed inscription visible lower left:

“Dessiné et Gravé par Martinet”

and the title beneath:

“Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar.”

The plate is also numbered “II” in the upper-left corner.

François-Nicolas Martinet was one of the most accomplished French ornithological illustrators and engravers of the 18th century and became particularly renowned for his extraordinarily detailed depictions of birds produced during the great Enlightenment-era interest in natural history.

The engraving retains the wonderfully subtle character expected of an early hand-coloured work, with the fine engraved lines remaining clearly visible beneath the applied colour.

It has been professionally presented within a deep cream card mount and attractive giltwood frame, which complements the rich blue and green colouring beautifully.

A particularly charming and highly decorative piece of 18th-century French natural-history art, and an ideal acquisition for a collector of early ornithological engravings, antique prints or natural-history works.

Attributes:

Artist / Engraver: François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Subject: Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving on paper

Nationality: French

Date: Circa 1760

Overall framed dimensions: 38.6 × 33.5 cm

Presentation: Mounted, glazed and framed in giltwood

Condition:

Both the picture and the frame are offered in an overall excellent original condition commensurate with age.

Framed Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 15.2'' | 38.6 cm

Width: 13.2'' | 33.5 cm

Depth: 1.5'' | 3.8 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders are welcome.

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Physical Dimensions

Height

38.6cm (15.20")

Width

33.5cm (13.19")

Depth

3.8cm (1.50")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Antique Martinet Bird Engraving to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233032

Dealers Notes

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Description

C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving By François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Brief Description:

This is a beautiful and highly decorative original 18th-century hand-coloured ornithological engraving by the celebrated French natural-history illustrator and engraver François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800).

fig 1. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 1. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Dating from circa 1760, the work depicts the striking “Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar” – the Blue Wood Pigeon of Madagascar – portrayed in profile amongst delicately rendered foliage, flowers and a naturalistic rocky landscape.

fig 2. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 2. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

The magnificent bird is depicted with wonderfully rich deep blue plumage, contrasting red legs and eye surround, while the surrounding botanical details are picked out in subtle shades of green and yellow.

“

The image was drawn and engraved by Martinet, with the original printed inscription visible lower left:.

Artsonline

fig 3. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 3. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

“Dessiné et Gravé par Martinet”

and the title beneath:

“Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar.”

The plate is also numbered “II” in the upper-left corner.

François-Nicolas Martinet was one of the most accomplished French ornithological illustrators and engravers of the 18th century and became particularly renowned for his extraordinarily detailed depictions of birds produced during the great Enlightenment-era interest in natural history.

fig 4. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 4. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

The engraving retains the wonderfully subtle character expected of an early hand-coloured work, with the fine engraved lines remaining clearly visible beneath the applied colour.

It has been professionally presented within a deep cream card mount and attractive giltwood frame, which complements the rich blue and green colouring beautifully.

fig 5. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 5. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

A particularly charming and highly decorative piece of 18th-century French natural-history art, and an ideal acquisition for a collector of early ornithological engravings, antique prints or natural-history works.

fig 6. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 6. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Attributes:

Artist / Engraver: François-Nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Subject: Pigeon ramier bleu de Madagascar

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving on paper

Nationality: French

Date: Circa 1760

Overall framed dimensions: 38.6 × 33.5 cm

fig 7. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 7. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Presentation: Mounted, glazed and framed in giltwood

Condition:

Both the picture and the frame are offered in an overall excellent original condition commensurate with age.

Framed Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

fig 8. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 8. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Height: 15.2'' | 38.6 cm

Width: 13.2'' | 33.5 cm

Depth: 1.5'' | 3.8 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

fig 9. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 9. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

Great care and time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

fig 10. A framed 18th-century hand-coloured engraving depicting a deep blue pigeon perched on a mound beside a flowering plant, set within a gold gilt frame. — fig 10. C. 1760 Hand Coloured Pigeon Engraving by François-nicolas Martinet (1731–1800)

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.