1794 Edward Donovan - LITTLE OWL - exquisite hand coloured copper engraving - Ornithology

Engraving with original handcoloring, 

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).

Tiny colour mark from artist.