(Gadwall Duck) Anas Strepera, Mas. Nederlandsche Vogelen... Amsterdam, 1770-1829. $975.00

"Anas Strepera, Mas"

A beautiful image of a male Gadwall duck by Cornelius Nozeman from the first comprehensive account of the birds of Holland.  The plates depict all the species known to exist in the Netherlands through the time of publication and frequently feature eggs and nests.  The Gadwall is a common and widespread duck of the family Anatidae. The species was first described and named by Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae in 1758.  Nozeman included information concerning the habitats of the birds. This composition includes a pond with waterlily pads.

A description of Nederlandsche Vogelen… is included in Fine Bird Books by Sacheverell Sitwell.  The author of this essential reference had very high standards for what volumes could be included.  He defined a ‘fine book’ as “one which is finely produced.  Well printed on hand-made paper, preferably finely bound, it should be enjoyable to look at and to handle.  The pictures should not only be well drawn but reproduced as near perfectly as possible.”  (Sitwell, p.48) It is certainly telling that he selected a Nozeman image to be the frontispiece of his essential reference on antique ornithological prints.

Hand colored copperplate engraving.
20 3/4 x 14 1/2 inches.
Finest possible condition with perfectly preserved original color, full margins and accompanying text..