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Sparacte bec-de-fer, imaginary bird, Sparactes superbus
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Sparacte bec-de-fer, imaginary bird, Sparactes superbus
Sparacte bec-de-fer, imaginary bird, Sparactes superbus. Copied from Francois Le Vaillants Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d Afrique. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Rene Primevere Lessons Complements de Buffon, Pourrat Freres, Paris, 1838
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Media ID 23188674
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Buffon Complements Dafrique Francois Histoire Imaginary Lesson Naturelle Oiseaux Ornithology Primevere Rene Superbus Vaillant
EDITORS COMMENTS
Sparacte Bec-de-Fer, or Sparactes Superbus: An Imaginary Bird from Francois Le Vaillant's Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique This stunning hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the mythical Sparacte Bec-de-Fer, or Sparactes Superbus, an imaginary bird described in Francois Le Vaillant's Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique. The work was published in Paris by Rene Primevere, in association with Pourrat Freres, in 1838. Le Vaillant, a renowned naturalist and explorer, documented numerous real species of African birds in his seminal work. However, he also included this imaginary bird, likely as a result of local folklore or misidentification. The Sparacte Bec-de-Fer is depicted with a distinctive iron beak, giving it its name, and a regal appearance. Its plumage is a rich mix of blues, greens, and reds, with intricate patterns and markings. The engraving itself is a masterpiece of the copperplate technique, with meticulous attention to detail and vibrant colors. The background is adorned with exotic African plants and foliage, further emphasizing the otherworldly nature of this imaginary bird. Despite its fantastical origins, the Sparacte Bec-de-Fer remains an intriguing and beautiful addition to the natural history of Africa. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and mythological traditions that have long influenced our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
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