Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
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Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus, and pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta.. Handcolored copperplate stipple engraving from Dumont de Sainte-Croixs Dictionary of Natural Science: Ornithology, Paris, France, 1816-1830. Illustration by J. G. Pretre, engraved by Massard, directed by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, and published by F.G. Levrault. Jean Gabriel Pretre (1780-1845) was painter of natural history at Empress Josephines zoo and later became artist to the Museum of Natural History
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Media ID 14214770
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Avocet Cuvier Dictionary Frederic Gabriel Pied Pretre Recurvirostra Stilt Stipple Winged Avosetta Himantopus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite handcolored copperplate stipple engraving depicts two wading birds, the Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) and the Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), from Jean Gabriel Pretre's illustrations for the "Dictionnaire de Naturaliste: Omnithologie," published in Paris between 1816 and 1830. Painted by Pretre, the artist of natural history at Empress Josephine's zoo, and engraved by Massard under the direction of Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, the publication was overseen by the renowned naturalist, Georges Cuvier. The Black-winged Stilt, with its distinctive long, black legs and wings, is shown standing gracefully on one leg in the shallows of a body of water. Its slender, curved beak is perfectly adapted for probing the muddy bottom for food. The Pied Avocet, on the other hand, is depicted with its legs extended in a distinctive posture, as if dancing in the water. Its pied (feet with black and white plumage) and upcurved beak make it easily recognizable. This engraving is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and artistry of the time, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the natural world. The intricate stipple technique used in the engraving process adds depth and texture to the image, making each feather and water droplet appear lifelike. The historical significance of this work lies not only in its scientific accuracy but also in its role as a record of the natural history of these birds during the early 19th century.
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