These 2 large prints are 'apres' or after (copies) the early 1800s illustrations by Francois Levaillant & Jacques Barraband's Histoire naturelle des perroquets. The work was published in Paris by Levrault Freres in 1801. Ours are not original prints, but the theme and presentation is so popular, several fine quality reproductions have been created over the 2 centuries since. These have the look, hanging on the wall, but I think they'd date mid-1900s. Vintage decorator art/prints in very good condition. You are buying the pair (2) so look over all detail photos. The prints we offer here have the same surface appeal of the early intaglio prints where you can see the outline of the printer's copper plate as it went through the press, and the paper is also aged and has the appearance of the early ones. An excellent reproduction of the very old prints!
"Barraband drew the original drawings for the work which contain such fine detail and marvelous beauty. He was considered on of the best painters of natural history. The plates were primarily printed in color - a remarkable feat for the early 1800s. The French master, Langlois, developed a superb technique to print in color called "a la poupee.. Barraband and Levaillant collaborated on the best-known natural history work about parrots, Histoire Naturelle Des Perroquets. The pair would go on to collaborate on other great works including the on here, Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux Des Paradis et des Rolliers (Birds of Paradise) After the printing process was complete, each plate was carefully highlighted by hand." (online info).
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, no flaws to the prints (they're printed to look aged, remember) and the frames are lovely and have a feel of age but no damage. The prints are framed under glass.
