This is not a hand-colored engraving, it is an original, beautifully executed ink and watercolor drawing on watermarked laid—one of a number I purchased from a German seller, all done by the same person I believe, c. 1800 or just a bit earlier. Photos do no justice to the real thing, especially on this one--spare, but the rich color and exquisite execution makes these song birds feel like miraculous creatures--which they are! I would guess it was the original drawing after which an engraving were then made for a zoological volume. Pure pleasure, and even better for the hand-written notes on the reverse of all of them, which seem to speak to the watercolors as being very much part of a work in progress. The notes on the back seem to correspond to the following image in the volume.
10 3/4" x 8 1/4" and in very good condition (the strength and endurance of antique laid paper is amazing!) with just minor toning and soiling. Watermarked.
