Antique Bird Print of the Great Crested Grebe

Antique print titled 'Colymbus, Cristatus'. The great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a member of the grebe family of water birds noted for its elaborate mating display. The scientific name comes from Latin. Podiceps is from Podicis, "vent" and pes, "foot", and is a reference to the placement of a grebe's legs towards the rear of its body, and the species name, cristatus means "crested".

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. Original text page included. Minor wear and soiling. Please study image carefully.

Date: 1789

Overall size: 37 x 53.5 cm.