BRENT BERNICLE

Published Edinburgh and London 1819-34 in "Illustrations of British Ornithology" by Prideaux John Selby.

An original early 19th century hand coloured etching of the Brent Bernicle or Brent Goose, plate No.XLV

Selby's wonderful bird prints rank alongside Audubon and Gould as the finest of ornithology works of their time.

The Brent Bernicle  is represented in full natural size and would make a dramatic and striking print for framing and display.

The hand colouring is enhanced in places with gum arabic and remains bright and fresh.

Fine, clean condition, free of repairs or restoration.

Printed on robust heavy grade Whatman paper, watermarked as 1827, blank verso. 

 Approx. 26" x 20.5" (650mm x 520mm) overall. 

Prideaux John Selby (1788- 1867) was a well respected ornithologist and botanist, hailing from Alnwick in Northumberland. His most outstanding contribution to natural history was his "Illustrations of British Ornithology". This was a major work, setting out to illustrate every species of bird found in the British Isles, all represented in their actual size. The project echoed that of his American counterpart John James Audubon and in fact the two men were firm friends. Audubon stayed with Selby at his home in Twizell House in Warenford, Northumberland and it has been said that one of the etchings for Selby's book (Green Lapwing) was in fact contributed by Audubon during his stay at Twizell House. 

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