Original ornithological plate – Hummingbirds - Buffon

This engraving is taken from the 8th volume of the complete works of Buffon, the famous 18th-century French naturalist, reissued in 1835. This volume was solely dedicated to birds. The plate shows the Jacobin, the Long-tailed Hummingbird, and the Fork-tailed Hummingbird, three types of hummingbirds. The image has been hand-coloured, making it a unique piece. Frame dimensions: 25.5 X 19 cm. Condition: good condition, the sheet is nearly 200 years old so its colour has slightly faded, but there are no stains or pinholes. The vermilion frame beautifully highlights the birds.