While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Bird of Paradise, Le hausse-col doré AUVB9 $245
Each print measures approximately 13 inches wide by 18 1/2 inches long

Some of the world’s most beautiful birds are masterfully illustrated in Vieillot and Audeberts 1802 “Oiseaux dores ou a reflets metallique.” Only 100 copies of this first edition large quarto set were issued, so it is now unusual to find these rare and beautiful prints.

Jean Baptiste Audebert (1759-1800) etched the plates using his own drawings as well as those of celebrated artists of the day. Originally a miniature painter, he became interested in ornithology through his work illustrating the specimens of a wealthy collector. For the “Oiseaux dores ou a reflets metallique” he devised a printing method using a single plate and oils instead of the more typical water based paints. The color printed plates are embellished with hand colorings and lavishly decorated with gold to reflect the plumage of the individual birds. Sadly, Audebert died at the age of 41, before the work was completed and it was finished by Vieillot, who wrote the text and completed the work from Audebert’s notes.

Louis Pierre Vieillot (1748-1831), a French naturalist, was one of the first ornithologists to observe the habits of birds in order to better classify them. Leaving France at the time of the French Revolution, Vieillot spent over ten years in North America greatly contributing to the taxonomy of birds of the New World. During this period, he classified numerous North American birds including the Eastern turkey, Virginia Rail, American Pintail and Scarlet Tanager. Very little is known about his life, but we do know that when he died, probably in 1831, he was blind and poverty-stricken; yet he left us a legacy in descriptive ornithology.

The condition of the finely etched hand-colored plates is excellent, on quality papier velun. There is a little edge toning, and a few fox marks, as we have been forgiving of condition due to the scarcity of the work. Each single print is large quarto measuring approximately 10 inches by 13 inches; and the double-sized prints, approximately 13 inches by 18 1/2 inches. The relevant original text is included whenever possible, along with a copy of the title page. The photos are very accurate, so please review carefully. All our prints are authentic antique prints and guaranteed to be from the stated date; and, as such, these prints are over 210 years old.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Florida state residents pay Florida state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $9.95 for the smaller size, $12.95 for the larger. Items can be combined to save on postage. International shipping starts at $35 for any number of prints, but may be more depending on the size of the prints and the country. Buyers are responsible for all customs duties. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, or send email to panteek@aol.com