1. LE GERFAUT. 2. LA HARPAYE.

Date1799

Designer Jacques Barraband 1767 - 1809

Engraver Jean Baptiste Bigant

After work by Comte de Buffon

OriginEurope, France, Paris

MediumLine and stipple engraving à la poupée

DimensionsOH: 7" x OW: 4 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Barnett Shepherd

Object number2018-269,20

DescriptionUpper margin reads: Pl. XVI./ T. 38. P. 264."
Lower margin reads: "Barraband del./ Bigant S./ 1. LE GERFAUT./ 2. LA HARPAYE."Label TextThis engraving is from a miniaturized later edition of Buffon’s monumental series “Histoire Naturelle Generale et Particulaire” which was originally published between 1749–1788 and comprised in 36 volumes. This print, published after the French Revolution is a testament to the longevity of Buffon’s work, which was one of the most important compilations of animals and birds of the 18th century. Additionally, this plate is a fine example of the technique of color engraving using the à la poupée.ProvenanceBefore 2015, Old Town Book Shop (Edinburgh, Scotland); 2015, purchased by Barnett Shepherd (Staten Island, NY); 2018-present, given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).