12 hand-coloured ornithological engravings from 1740 by George Edwards.

We offer this exceptional suite of twelve original engravings dating from 1740-1760, hand-coloured, after George Edwards (1694-1773), depicting ornithological birds, butterflies, and flowers in very rare chinoiserie frames. These engravings, in perfect period condition, show visible plate marks around the borders, with some plate numbers and small descriptions. Dimensions: Height 27 cm, Width 21 cm, Depth 2 cm. The work titled "A Natural History of Uncommon Birds" (1743-1751) features 362 plates primarily illustrating birds, as well as mammals, fish, and insects, recognised for its artistic and ornithological significance. George Edwards, a renowned English draughtsman and ornithologist, was librarian at the Royal College of Physicians and a holder of the Royal Society's gold medal. These hand-coloured engravings, overseen by Edwards, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.