(Parrot)

Francois Martinet's whimsical bird engravings were included as illustrations to his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, published in Paris between 1770 and 1786.  These engravings are charmingly drawn and brightly colored with a distinctive yellow tinted border that some refer to as the predecessor of the French wash mat.  This influential book included hundreds of birds, exotic and common.

12 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches.   
Hand colored copperplate engraving on laid paper.     
Excellent original condition.