EURASIAN BITTERN-GREAT-BOTAURUS STELLARIS-RUFA ‘Ardea stellaris rufa’ [SEPP and NOZEMAN, 1770]

This scarce original antique bird print shows the Eurasian bittern or great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), variety ‘rufa’. Old name; Ardea stellaris. Text page is included.

Engraving/etching with contemporary hand colouring on verge (hand laid) paper.
Sheet size: 54 x 37 cm. Image size: 44,8 x 36 cm.

This antique print originates from: “Nederlandsche Vogelen”, (English: Dutch birds) a five volume Dutch natural history compendium by Cornelius Nozeman and Christiaan Sepp, published in Amsterdam from 1770. It was published in instalments and was finished in 1829. It was the first comprehensive avifauna of the Netherlands (which temporarily included Belgium during 1815 – 1830). At this point we still carry most of the plates from this famous and exceedingly rare work, which ranks among Audubon and Barraband as the most beautiful bird prints ever created. Most birds are engraved close to life-size. Each plate comes with the corresponding original text page(s). Please inquire if you are looking for a specific species not exhibited in our ebay shop or website. Ref: Anker 369; Fine Bird Books, p.98; Nissen IVB 684; Wood, p.496; Zimmer, p.469.

Made by Jan Sepp after Cornelius Nozeman. This monumental work was written by Cornelius Nozeman, and after his death by Martinus Houttuyn. The last volume was finished by Jan Sepp, with advice from Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The coloured engravings were made by Christiaan Sepp, Jan Christiaan Sepp (his son), and Jan Sepp (his grandson).

Condition: Good, given age. Soft horizontal crease. Top left sharp crease near plate edge only just in image area. Edges with an occasional tiny tear, not affecting image. Irregular edges as issued. Remnant of paper from binding on right edge verso. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Nozeman Map 4-15