Old Bird Illustration Appraisal

18th-century Ornithological Engraving

This item is an 18th-century ornithological engraving depicting a solitary bird perched on a gnarled, leafless branch. Executed in a naturalistic style typical of the Enlightenment era, the central subject appears to be a songbird or thrush-like species characterized by a long tail and a slightly curved beak. The engraving is printed on laid paper, which exhibits a subtle cream or off-white tone consistent with age. It is housed within a contemporary wood frame with a metallic gold finish and protected by a dark brown decorative mat. Below the illustration, there is a line of faint text, likely containing the Latin scientific name and common name of the specimen, which was a standard convention for scientific plates of this period. The overall composition is centered and showcases fine line work and cross-hatching to define the bird's plumage and the texture of the wood. Condition-wise, the paper appears stable, though there is a hint of expected yellowing or light foxing that contributes to its historical patina. The frame is in good condition with minor surface wear. This piece reflects the 18th-century passion for cataloging the natural world and exhibits high-quality draftsmanship representative of the era's printmaking excellence.