Antique Bird Print of the Barn Swallow

Antique print titled ‘Hirundo Agrestis'. This print depicts the barn swallow with nest and eggs (Dutch: boerenzwaluw). The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

This print originates from 'Nederlandsche Vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven", Amsterdam, 1770-1829 by C. Nozeman, M. Houttuyn and J.C. Sepp. This is the most important and first study in the Netherlands of ornithology at that time. The birds are depicted as they are in life, said to be depicted close to life sized and in their environment.

Condition: Good. General age-related toning. Some wear and minor tears. Please study image carefully.

Date: 1770

Overall size: 38 x 54.5 cm.