Oological plates enhanced with watercolor

Pretty small oological plates representing different studies of bird eggs, printed and then carefully enhanced with hand-applied watercolor. Each composition features several numbered specimens, with subtle work on the nuances, speckles, and natural textures of the shells. The deliberately uncluttered background particularly highlights the scientific and decorative finesse of these representations, in a spirit very close to old natural history cabinet plates. The slight foxing, the patina of the paper, and the variations in tone reinforce the authentic charm of these old documents. The sheets were later mounted on white presentation cardboard. Sold individually.

✦ Origin: France or Western Europe
✦ Estimated period: Circa 1890-1910
✦ Dimensions: approx. 19 x 13 cm
✦ Material: Printed engravings enhanced with watercolor on cardboard
✦ Condition: Good overall condition with foxing, small stains, discreet wear, and slight marginal losses on some plates

Charming old naturalist studies, perfect for completing a cabinet of curiosities, a library, or a decor inspired by 19th-century scientific cabinets.