This is not a hand-colored engraving, it is an original, beautifully executed ink and watercolor drawing on watermarked laid—one of four watercolors I purchased from a German seller, which appear all done by the same person, c. 1800. Photos do no justice to the real thing. I would guess they were the original drawings after which engravings were then made for a zoological volume. I find it, and all of them, extraordinarily beautiful, and their amazing detail amplifies the sense of wonder at the creatures represented to begin with. Pure pleasure, and even better for the hand-written notes on the reverse, which seem to speak to the watercolors as being very much part of a work in progress. I know the snake at right is an Indian Cobra. The notes on reverse seem to correspond to the following image in the volume.
10 3/4" x 8 3/4". Ink and watercolor on watermarked laid. Very good condition, with minor toning/soiling, not at all detracting.
