PAIR OF TWO 18TH CENTURY MADDALENA BOUCHARD HANDCOLORED ETCHINGS OF BIRDS OF PREY,Published Rome, Bouchard & Gravier, 1771-1775. Two matted, of the period handcolored etchings with original color, engraved by Maddalena Bouchard. From Recueil de Cent-Trente Trois Oiseaux des Plus Belles Especes. Consisting of one plate depicting two birds of prey: Faucon de diverses couleurs and Faucon a queue anelee ou l"Epervier (#62225.1), the second: Petit Faucon des Indes and Faucon de Mur, ou de Tour (#30577.1). Both measure 21 1/4" high x 15 1/2" wide.
'Maddalena Bouchard may be considered by some as a primitive among bird artists; however, while her birds are not true to nature in the conventional sense, they have more exuberance and charm than almost any other ornithological art with the possible exception of Manetti's Ornithologia (1765-76). Bouchard was also responsible for plates in Bonelli's Hortus Romanus (Rome 1772-93), which was also published by Bouchard and Gravier.' Estimate $400-500
From the Collection of The Old Print Gallery, Washington, DC.
Some toning. The print depicting Faucon de diverses couleurs having some minor water staining to edge of the top of the sheet. The other print having a crease in the center of the image extending from left to right, as well as one to the bottom of the sheet.
