Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Soon after becoming Emperor, Napoleon set about initiating a series of lavish publications to demonstrate the wealth and dominance of the empire. These were sent as gifts to noteworthy individuals, including crowned heads and men of science.
One such publication was François Levaillant’s ornithological masterpiece, Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets (1801-1805). Levaillant (1753-1824) was considered to be one of the greatest French naturalists of his generation. He attained prominence by meticulously describing many new species of birds that he’d studied in their natural habitat, particularly while travelling in Africa.
For the Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets, he commissioned leading zoological and botanical illustrator, Jacques Barraband (1767-1809), to produce over 300 watercolours depicting these vivid colourful birds. Barraband was known to Napoleon and undertook several commissions for Levaillant over the course of his lifetime.
The result was an exceptional set of scientifically-accurate and beautifully-detailed paintings that many believe still rate as the finest ornithological works ever produced. They seem to bring the birds to life with their rich, sumptuous, colours and highly intricate textures.
Barraband’s watercolours were then engraved and finished by Langlois under the direction of Louis Bouquet. The subsequent catalogue was released by Levrault Frères in Paris, circa 1805, and copies are highly scarce. In 2007, a complete first edition sold at Christie’s for £108,500. We’re delighted to present four of the original hand-finished engravings from Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets, here at Brave. Quite possibly our most exciting little collection to date.
Medium: Stipple engraving
Size including frame: 20¾” x 17” / 53cm x 45cm
Year of creation: c. 1805
Condition: Some small areas of foxing.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
After Jacques Barraband, La Perruche Ara Pavouane Tapire, Antique Engraving
