Francois Nicolas Martinet Collection

Le Sanguin, 1780 (hand-coloured engraving, highlited in gold and silver)
985787 Le Sanguin, 1780 (hand-coloured engraving, highlited in gold and silver) by Martinet, Francois Nicolas (1731-1800); Private Collection; (add.info.: Le Sanguin)

Autruche (Ostrich), 1770-86. Creator: Francois Nicolas Martinet
Autruche (Ostrich), 1770-86. From " Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux" edited by Georges Louis Leclerc, le comte de Buffon

Courly atete nu, du Cap de bonne Esperance (Bald Ibis from the Cape of Good
Courly a tete nu, du Cap de bonne Esperance (Bald Ibis from the Cape of Good Hope), 1770-86. From " Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux" edited by Georges Louis Leclerc, le comte de Buffon

L Aigrette (Egret), 1770-86. Creator: Francois Nicolas Martinet
L Aigrette (Egret), 1770-86. From " Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux" edited by Georges Louis Leclerc, le comte de Buffon

Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius
6337073 Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius by Martinet, Francois Nicolas (1731-1800); (add.info.: Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius)

Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea 1, and hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina 2
6336959 Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea 1, and hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina 2 by Martinet, Francois Nicolas (1731-1800); (add.info.: Black-naped monarch, Hypothymis azurea 1)

Cape bishop, Euplectes capensis 1, and pin-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura prasina 2
6336958 Cape bishop, Euplectes capensis 1, and pin-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura prasina 2 by Martinet, Francois Nicolas (1731-1800); (add.info.: Cape bishop, Euplectes capensis 1)

White-headed Eagle, c. 1770-1786 (hand-coloured engraving, watercolour border)
985936 White-headed Eagle, c.1770-1786 (hand-coloured engraving, watercolour border) by Martinet, Francois Nicolas (1731-1800); 31.5x23.4 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: White-headed Eagle)

Man of letters at committee (L auteur au comite ), by F. N. Martinet, engraving, 1821
France - 19th century - Man of letters at committee (L auteur au comite ). Engraving by F.N. Martinet, 1821

Caricature of modern Ossian and of street singers, by Francois Nicolas Martinet, engraving, 1806
France, 19th century. Caricature of a modern Ossian and of street singers. Engraving, 1806

Caricature of modern Ossian, by Francois Nicolas Martinet, 1806
France, 19th century. Caricature of a modern Ossian, 1806

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Francois Nicolas Martinet was a renowned French artist and engraver of the 18th century, known for his exquisite illustrations of birds. His work captured the beauty and intricacy of various avian species, showcasing their vibrant colors and unique features. One of his notable creations is "Autruche, " a stunning depiction of an ostrich. Martinet's attention to detail is evident in this piece, as he skillfully portrays the bird's long neck, powerful legs, and distinctive feathers. The viewer can almost feel the texture of its plumage through Martinet's intricate engravings. Another masterpiece by Martinet is "Courly atete nu, du Cap de bonne Esperance, " which showcases a bald ibis from the Cape of Good Hope. This artwork highlights not only the bird's physical characteristics but also its graceful posture and elegant presence. In "L Aigrette, " Martinet captures the ethereal beauty of an egret with remarkable precision. The delicate lines and shading bring out every feather on this majestic creature while conveying a sense of tranquility that characterizes these magnificent birds. Martinet's talent extended beyond realistic portrayals; he also created caricatures that showcased his wit and humor. One such example is his engraving titled "Caricature of modern Ossian and street singers. " In this piece, he cleverly satirizes contemporary figures in society using exaggerated features and comical expressions. Throughout his career, Francois Nicolas Martinet demonstrated exceptional skill in capturing both scientific accuracy and artistic expression in his illustrations. His works continue to inspire awe even centuries later as they provide us with glimpses into nature's wonders through his masterful engravings.