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

Colymbus maximus stellatus FRX185A $495
Each print measures approximately 9 1/4 inches by 14 1/2 inches

It is with more than our usual enthusiasm that we present these beautiful original hand colored copper engravings from the exceedingly rare first edition of Vorstellung der Vogel in Teutschland und Beylaugffig auch Einiger Fremden, mit Ihren Eigenschaften Beschrieben…und Nach Iheren Naturlichen Farben by Johann Leonhard Frisch, consisting of 256 hand colored plates in its entirety. We have looked for this work for over 10 years, during which time we have only seen a few prints from it. We rate it one of the top 10 ornithological works of all time and the first great German bird book. Fine Bird Books, rarely generous with praise, accords it the 3 stars given to only a few works and declares in the usual understated manner “One of the most enjoyable of all bird books and rare”.

Johann Leonhard Frisch (1666-1743) began publishing the work in 1733. It was completed after his death in 1763 by his sons, Leopold Frisch, who wrote the text, and Ferdinand Helfreich, who together with Philip Jakob Frisch, engraved and coloured the plates. The last 30 plates were by Johann’s grandson Johann Christoph Frisch. The work is divided into twelve parts for the different bird families, and covers European and some exotic species.

Johann Leonhard Frisch had a diverse career, starting as a singer, serving as an interpreter in the German army and progressing to the position of headmaster of a school in Berlin. As a man of letters of the time, he pursued many interests, including natural history and the collections of specimens to form the Cabinet of Curiosities so beloved of this early scientific era. His bird collection formed the basis for the drawings in this work.

The prints are all ORIGINAL copper engravings with original hand coloring from a genuine first edition of the work. They are original in every way and come to you untouched through the centuries, in totally authentic original condition and without restoration of any kind

Each print measures approximately 9 1/4 inches wide by 14 1/2 inches long. The condition of the plates is excellent, with the paper being a fine, strong, watermarked chain lined type of a soft white in colour. There are very few blemishes of any kind and the original hand coloring remains very fresh and vibrant. These prints are about 275 years old and are among the most powerful of all the bird portraits. It is a rare opportunity indeed to acquire these scarce museum quality prints from a truly monumental work.

We accept credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $9.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. 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 email.