La Harpie d'Amerique. Falco Destructor. American Harpy Eagle, c1837.

by Comte de Lacepede

Antique print of Great Harpy Eagle of America.

Fine original steel engraving with contemporary hand-color, published in Paris circa 1837 by Pourrat for Suites a Buffon by Zoology Professor at the Paris Natural History Museum, Bernard Germain Étienne de la Ville sur Illon, Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825), who enlarged and re-engraved the tiny illustrations for the enormous work by French naturalist, biologist, mathematician and cosmologist, Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), whose Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière avec la Description du Cabinet du Roi (roughly, "Natural History, General and Specific with descriptions from the King's Cabinet") was published between 1749 and 1790, with Lacepede's assistance, and completion after Buffon's demise.

No doubt this grand bird, "Falco Destructor" is the envy of many other raptors - and the horror of the little birds. Of all the superior adornment of birds, I do not know of one with more superior plumage!

It is a shame that this stunning little engraving was printed so far to the right of the sheet of paper. It is an exquisite engraving and in superb condition. It will frame up beautifully in a smaller-windowed frame. The wing is little over 1cm (half an inch) from the right paper edge. (Price reduced.)
Full page size is 245 x 160mm (9 5/8 x 6 1/4 inches).