Ecureuil bicolore, Sciurus bicolor, Spartm. antique print c1820.

by Buffon-Lacepede

Fine antique print of brown and white squirrel (two-coloured squirrel.

Fine original hand-coloured steel engraving published in Paris c1820 by Pourrat Brothers for Bernard Germain Etienne de la Ville sur Illon, Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825).

In 1785, French naturalist, mathematician, biologist, cosmologist and author, Georges-Louis de Clerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), appointed Lacepede as subdemonstrator at the Jardin du Roi in Paris. Lacepede assisted Buffon with publication of his monumental work, Histoire Naturelle Generale et Particuliere avec la description du cabinet du roi (Natural History, General and Specific with the description from the King’s cabinet), published between 1749 and 1790. Lacepede not only completed publication after Buffon was no longer able to do it, Lacapede also went on to update and republish a shortened version, in a larger format. Suites a Buffon was also a huge undertaking and was published over many years.

This is a delightful engraving. Printed a little off-centre, the page measures 9 3/4 x 6 inches (approximately 25 x 15cm).