A handsome pair of original ca. 1760 bird engravings, with charming landscapes by British naturalist and ornithologist George Edwards (1694-1773), engraved by J.M. Seligman (1720–1762). The bold presentation of the birds: the exotic Sultan Chicken and the Sandpiper elevates and glorifies the avian subjects, as was typical of this type of natural history illustration. Skillful hand coloring is complemented by superb and complex hand painted filage with light blue bands. Each bird is further framed in deep late 19th century gilded frames bearing fine acanthus cavetto moulding and other nice details. Nuremberg edition, good antique condition, some low rumpling to the paper surface of the chicken, laid paper, impression marks visible.
H: 22 ¾ W: 19 ½ D: 2 ½