1794 Edward Donovan - SNEW DUCK Ornithology hand coloured copper engraving

Engraving with original handcoloring by Donovan himself.

Plate size approx. 

8 x 4 1/2 inches, on sheet approx. 9 x 5 1/2 inches. 

Sheet: 23 x 13 cm

An exquisite bird print, engraved and hand coloured by the artist.

Nissen IVB 257; Mullens & Swann, p 173.

'The hand-coloring of these birds was delicately and beautifully done, giving the book considerable artistic merit. He painted the figures smoothly with gouache.' (Jackson, C. (1985) Bird Etchings, p. 183).

“Donovan often used thick paints, burnished highlights, albumen overglazes and metallic paints. These covered the engravings (from his own copper plates, Donovan personally undertook all steps of the illustration process for his books, the drawing, the etching and engraving and the hand colouring.” Wikipedia