Le Petit Aigle ou Aigle criard. La Pygargue. c1837

by Buffon-Lacepede

Greater Spotted Eagle and Sea Eagle antique print.

Fine French steel engraving of birds of prey with contermporary beautiful colour, engraved by Massard after a drawing by Charal for Suites a Buffon, updated by Bernard Germain Étienne de la Ville sur Illon, Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825), who worked with Georges-Louis le Clerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), on the last 8 volumes of Buffon's 36 small volumes of Histoire Naturelle Générale et Particulière avec la description du cabinet du roi (Natural History, General and Particular, with the description from the King’s library), published from 1749 to 1803, and completed by Lacepede after Buffon died.

Lacepede employed scientific artists to enlarge Buffon's tiny illustrations, reduce the number to each page and make them more realistic. When the Jardin du Roi (King's Garden) was re-organised as the Jardin du Plantes (Plants Garden), Lacépede was appointed to head the Museum's study of reptiles and fish. Over the following years, Lacépede continued  updating Buffon's work. The majority of Lacepede's work was published in Paris by Pourrat Brothers, but several naturalists and publishers contributed to later editions, with varied styles of embellishment and presentation of wildlife.

This superb engraving has slight age-discolouration, and soiling along top extremity. Size: 25 x 16cm (9.5 x 6.25 inches).