Tits, Wagtails & Flycatchers (Ornithology)
From Historia Naturalis
Matthäus Merian the Elder
Amsterdam, 1657
Issued in Historia Naturalis by Jon Jonston
Hand-colored copperplate engraving on folio leaf
Description
This refined folio engraving depicting tits, wagtails, and flycatchers was executed by Matthäus Merian the Elder and published in Amsterdam in 1657 as part of Jon Jonston’s Historia Naturalis. The plate focuses on smaller passerine birds, subjects that demanded close observation and careful differentiation at a time when ornithology was still emerging as a systematic science.
Merian’s composition presents multiple species together, encouraging comparison of size, posture, beak form, and plumage. Unlike birds of prey or waterfowl, these modest songbirds required a more delicate visual language. Merian responds with precision and restraint, rendering each figure clearly without exaggeration or symbolic flourish.
Printed from a finely engraved copperplate, the image exemplifies Merian’s control of line and balance. The sheet was subsequently hand colored, likely in a contemporary workshop, adding warmth and contrast while preserving the clarity of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique, shaped by the individual colorist’s technique.
Although Merian is best known for his Topographia series of city views, his natural history engravings are equally important. Plates such as this demonstrate how early modern science extended beyond dramatic or exotic subjects to include careful study of familiar European fauna. This folio stands as a quiet but essential document in the visual history of ornithology.
Condition
Good overall condition for the age. A few age spots, including one larger area, consistent with historical use. Please view images closely for details.
Details
Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1657
Dimensions: 15 × 8.70 inches (38.1 × 22.1 cm)
Subjects: Tits, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Ornithology
Status: Available
Tits, Wagtails & Flycatchers (Ornithology)
From Historia Naturalis
Matthäus Merian the Elder
Amsterdam, 1657
Issued in Historia Naturalis by Jon Jonston
Hand-colored copperplate engraving on folio leaf
Description
This refined folio engraving depicting tits, wagtails, and flycatchers was executed by Matthäus Merian the Elder and published in Amsterdam in 1657 as part of Jon Jonston’s Historia Naturalis. The plate focuses on smaller passerine birds, subjects that demanded close observation and careful differentiation at a time when ornithology was still emerging as a systematic science.
Merian’s composition presents multiple species together, encouraging comparison of size, posture, beak form, and plumage. Unlike birds of prey or waterfowl, these modest songbirds required a more delicate visual language. Merian responds with precision and restraint, rendering each figure clearly without exaggeration or symbolic flourish.
Printed from a finely engraved copperplate, the image exemplifies Merian’s control of line and balance. The sheet was subsequently hand colored, likely in a contemporary workshop, adding warmth and contrast while preserving the clarity of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique, shaped by the individual colorist’s technique.
Although Merian is best known for his Topographia series of city views, his natural history engravings are equally important. Plates such as this demonstrate how early modern science extended beyond dramatic or exotic subjects to include careful study of familiar European fauna. This folio stands as a quiet but essential document in the visual history of ornithology.
Condition
Good overall condition for the age. A few age spots, including one larger area, consistent with historical use. Please view images closely for details.
Details
Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1657
Dimensions: 15 × 8.70 inches (38.1 × 22.1 cm)
Subjects: Tits, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Ornithology
Status: Available
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