Trogon antique print. Couroucou Pavonin fine engraving. Lacapede c1837

by Pourrat

Male Couroucou Pavonin (Pavonin's Couroucou Trogon), with head study of the female bird. Original hand-coloured engraving published by Pourrat for Lacapede c1837.

Georges-Louis Le Clerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), was a French naturalist, mathematician, cosmologist and biologist, whose examination and recording of all facets of natural life, 'Histoire Naturelle Generale et Particuliere avec la description du cabinet du roi' (Natural History, General and Specific with the description from the King’s library), was published in Paris between 1749 and 1790 in 36 volumes, greatly increasing scientific knowledge, and influencing other naturalists, including Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin. Buffon directed the Jardin du Roi in Paris (today known as Jardin du Plantes), and in 1785, Buffon appointed Bernard Germain Etienne de la Ville sur Illon, Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825) to assist in his work.

Lacepede completed publication after Buffon's death, - then had the plates re-engraved and hand-coloured for further publication in larger editions of this marvellous work which he called Suites a Buffon. The later images are much more natural than Buffon's earlier work. This fine hand-coloured engraving was published circa 1837 by Pourrat Freres (Pourrat Brothers). (Approximate size 250 x 155mm)