antique prints, maps and watercolors

(Diving Duck) Nederlandsche Vogelen... Amsterdam, 1770-1829. $575.00

click for detailed image nozemananas nigervlg.jpg

"Anas Nigra"

A beautiful image by Nozeman of a black duck 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 compositions of the backgrounds reflect the influence of the Dutch painting tradition of beautifully realistic still life compositions. This one includes a interesting detail of the head and beak of the duck displayed on a banner.

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..