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Roller M[ale]. Plate XXXIV.

This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby illustrates the Roller (Coracias garrulus), perched on a weathered branch with sparse foliage. The bird’s vibrant plumage, blending shades of electric blue, chestnut brown, and black, is rendered with meticulous attention to texture and shading, emphasizing its striking appearance. The Roller’s characteristic stout bill and upright posture are distinctly captured, highlighting its robust and commanding presence.

Price: $345.00

Description Des Plantes, Arbres, Animaux & Poissons Des Iles Antilles, Avec Les Moeurs Des Sauvages Qui S'Y Trouvent, et la Maniere dont on Fait Le Sucre

Detailed set of images of indigenous plant, animal and sugar processing scenes, from Chatelain's monumental 7 volume Atlas Historique.

Price: $245.00

1. Nuthatch 2. Creeper. Plate XXXIX.

This hand-colored engraving by Prideaux John Selby depicts two woodland birds: the Nuthatch (1) and the Treecreeper (2). Perched on a gnarled oak branch adorned with foliage and acorns, the Nuthatch is shown in its characteristic downward-climbing position, showcasing its slate-blue back, buff-orange underparts, and bold black eye stripe. The Treecreeper, clinging to the bark with its curved bill poised for foraging, is illustrated with its brown mottled plumage and white underparts, blending seamlessly into its arboreal environment.

Price: $295.00

1. Gull Billed Tern 2. Head of D. in Summer Plumage 3. Sandwich Tern Plate. LXXXVIII.

This plate, by Prideaux John Selby, features detailed illustrations of two tern species: the Gull-Billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) and the Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis). Selby has carefully rendered each bird with attention to anatomical detail and distinctive plumage. The top bird is labeled as the Gull-Billed Tern, shown in its full body profile standing on a rocky surface. Beside it, there is a detailed view of the Gull-Billed Tern’s head in summer plumage, highlighting its characteristic black cap. Below, the Sandwich Tern is depicted with its longer, slender body and more pointed beak. Both birds are placed against a minimalist background, allowing viewers to focus on their unique physical traits.

Price: $245.00

Cinereous or Sea Eagle, Female. Plate III.

This early-19th-century etching by Prideaux John Selby presents the Cinereous or Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), a large bird of prey known for its range across northern Europe and Asia. The female eagle, depicted in the foreground, is shown preying on a small mammal, likely a rabbit, with her talons gripping the creature as she gazes outwards, highlighting her dominance and strength. The intricate detailing of the plumage emphasizes the unique feather patterning, with varying shades of gray and brown skillfully rendered. The chine collé technique, along with engraving, provides depth and texture, further enhancing the naturalistic portrayal of the bird. The background is kept plain, directing attention to the dynamic positioning of the eagle and its prey. The title is inscribed to the left, and the plate number, 'Plate III,' appears in the upper right-hand corner, suggesting that this is part of a larger series dedicated to the depiction of birds of prey.

Price: $345.00

Iceland Gull, Young. Plate XCVIII.

Produced by Prideaux John Selby in the early 19th century for his Illustrations of British Ornithology, this plate depicts a young Iceland Gull. The bird is shown standing in profile, with intricate detailing of its soft, mottled plumage, characteristic of immature individuals. Its sharp bill is highlighted with subtle yellow tones, and the bird’s posture gives a sense of alertness. The setting includes a rocky coastal background with distant cliffs, suggesting the gull’s natural habitat. The overall composition showcases Selby’s commitment to combining artistic presentation with scientific observation, providing both a beautiful and accurate depiction of the bird.

Price: $495.00