François Nicolas Martinet Hand-Colored Engraving "Parroquet de Guinée"

Item Details

François Nicolas Martinet (French; 1731- circa 1800)
Parroquet de Guinée, circa 1790
Hand-colored engraving with etching on laid paper
Signed in plate to the lower left
Plate number 164 from the folio edition of Martinet’s Ornithologie (Histoire des Oiseaux, Peints dans Tous Leurs Aspects Apparents et Sensibles)
Published by the artist
Inscribed notation to the upper center margin, with title and plate number in plate to upper edge

Considered the foremost bird artist of his day, François Nicolas Martinet was also a celebrated French court engraver. In addition to birds, he was known for his scenes of Versailles, portraits of nobility, and landscapes. The artist was hired as an illustrator of many plays and operas, including those of Voltaire, Marmontel, and Philidor. Significantly, many of Martinet’s engravings were a major highlight in Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, a monumental encyclopaedic survey of the natural world.

Condition

- light toning and warping to paper; minor frame wear with scratches, finish loss, and corner join separation; foxing and discoloration to verso paper.

Dimensions

- measures frame; plate marks measures approximately 8" W x 9.5" H.

Item #

ITMG069254