Description

‘1. et 2. Le Chapelet bleu, de Cayenne […]’

Etching / engraving on wove paper.
Sheet size: 24 x 29,5 cm. (9,4 x 11,6 inch). Image size: 18,2 x 22,3 cm. (7,2 x 8,8 inch).

Plate 43 from ‘Histoire Naturelle …’, by Buffon, 1765-1783, considered the most beautiful ed. of Buffon’s work.

Made by ‘Francois Nicolas Martinet’ after ‘Georges-Louis Le Clerc, Comte de Buffon’. Francois Nicolas Martinet (1725-1804) was a French engineer and engraver. He worked for the court. His work is varried: from illustrating plays and operas to drawing and engraving landscapes, portraits of notables and scenes of court life at Versailles. He lived and worked during one of the most tumultuous times in French history, witnessing the reigns of Louis XV, Louis XVI / Marie Antoinette and the terror of the French Revolution, followed by the ascent of Napoleon. He was the brother of the female engraver Angelique Martinet (c.1731 – c. 1780). Georges-Louis Le Clerc, Comte de Buffon (September 7, 1707 – April 16, 1788). French naturalist, mathematician, biologist, cosmologist and author. Buffon’s views influenced the next two generations of naturalists, including Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin.

Condition: Good, given age. Ghosting from previous matting.Light staining. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: BUTTERFLY SPECIES

RBOS-A3-29 (RB-265)