Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 812

"Black Guillemot in Summer Plumage - Winter Plumage", Selby, Prideaux John

Subject: Natural History, Birds

Period: 1864 (circa)

Publication: Illustrations of British Ornithology

Color: Hand Color

Size:
27 x 22 inches
68.6 x 55.9 cm
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Prideaux John Selby, a contemporary of John James Audubon, composed his illustrations of birds in natural settings with scientific accuracy. Like Audubon, his images are life-sized and there are other interesting parallels between the two men's work; both worked with the Scottish engraver W.H. Lizars, and both works were printed on elephant folio Whatman paper. Selby distinguished himself, however, by engraving many of the plates for his large folio set himself. His work was first published between 1821 and 1834. It was very popular and went through a number of additional editions. This fine illustration (Plate LXXX) shows both the summer and winter plumage of the Black Guillemot. It is printed on paper watermarked 1864. The size takes in the entire folio sheet.

References:

Condition: A

Lightly toned on paper edges with a tiny edge tear.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $170

Closed on 12/2/2009

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