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Print 2018-269,10
Perdrix, d'Afrique (African Partridge)
Print 2018-269,10

Perdrix, d'Afrique (African Partridge)

Date1772
Compiler 1707 - 1788
Engraver
OriginEurope, France, Paris
MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching with period color
DimensionsOH: 11 1/4" x OW: 9"; Overall mounted on board: H: 14 3/8" x W: 11 3/8"
Credit LineGift of Barnett Shepherd
Object number2018-269,10
DescriptionUpper margin reads in iron gall ink: "No. 54."
Loert margin reads: "Pedrix, d'Afrique"Label TextDepiction of the bird species “Perdrix, d’Afrique” engraved by Francois Nicolas Martinet for Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon’s “Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux,” [Volume 2] (Paris: De L'Imprimerie Royale, 1772), pl. 180.

Francois Nicholas Martinet engraved birds and animals for Buffon’s monumental series “Histoire Naturelle Generale et Particulaire” (of which this engraving was a part) which was published between 1749–1788 and comprised in 36 volumes. It was one of the most important compilations of animals and birds of the 18th century.Inscription(s)Lower left-hand corner: "Martinet 1750)ProvenanceBefore 2008, The Antique Center (Red Bank, NJ); 2008, purchased by Barnett Shepherd (Staten Island, NY); 2018-present, given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).