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This beautifully hand-colored plate depicts the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), a species of falcon. The bird is shown perched on a gnarled branch, with striking details emphasizing its feathers, stance, and natural environment.
The plate is from Prideaux John Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology, an important ornithological work known for its life-size depictions of birds and artistic engraving work. This particular print showcases the expertise of the etcher Mitford, bringing out the rich textures of the bird's plumage.
The engraving captures the delicate patterns on the Hobby's body, with its sharp talons clutching the branch, set against a neutral background to highlight the bird's details.
Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology
Prideaux John Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology, published between 1821 and 1834, is one of the most significant works in 19th-century ornithological literature. Selby, an English naturalist and artist, produced a two-volume set that featured life-sized depictions of British birds, a departure from earlier works that used smaller formats. His background as both a scientist and an artist allowed him to render birds with remarkable accuracy and beauty.
![[ Geographical and Astronomical Instruments ].](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/103144.jpg)
