Prideaux John Selby Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Prideaux John Selby Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 21, 2024
Prideaux John Selby British (1788-1867)
Est: £80 - £120
Prideaux John Selby British (1788-1867) Gooseander, Female a hand coloured engraving plate LVII, from Jardine and Selby's Illustrations of Ornithology, mounted and framed 63.5 x 73cm overall Condition Report: Framed and mounted, glazed fair overall. Not viewed out of the frame. Some rippling.
Sworders
Oct. 29, 2024
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Marsh Harrier Engraving
Est: $400 - $600
Description: Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), Marsh Harrier, Handcolored Engraving, signed in plate center of lower edge, captioned 'Marsh Herrier' upper right quadrant and 'Plate IX' upper right corner, matted and framed. Frame size: 26 in. x 30 1/2 in. Prideaux John Selby was born in Northumberland, England to a prominent family. As a child, he exhibited a strong interest in ornithology, and by the time he was 12 or 13 years old, he had composed his first illustrated notes on common British birds. Selby became a member of the Wernerian Natural History Society in Edinburgh at an early age. His interests in natural history extended into forestry and entomology, but his devotion to the subject of ornithology was primary. Measurements: Height: by sight 17 in. x Width: 21 1/2 in. Condition: Overall good condition, paper wavy in frame, minor foxing and toning, not viewed out of frame. Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. PHOTOS MAY ALSO ACT AS A CONDITION REPORT. Please review all photos closely prior to bidding. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'AS ISÕ, and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.
Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Oct. 29, 2024
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Sparrow Hawk, Engraving
Est: $300 - $500
Description: Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), Sparrow Hawk, Hand Colored Engraving, plate XIII, signed and dated 1820 in the plate, matted and framed. Frame size:23 1/2 in. x 29 1/2 in. Prideaux John Selby was born in Northumberland, England to a prominent family. As a child, he exhibited a strong interest in ornithology, and by the time he was 12 or 13 years old, he had composed his first illustrated notes on common British birds. Selby became a member of the Wernerian Natural History Society in Edinburgh at an early age. His interests in natural history extended into forestry and entomology, but his devotion to the subject of ornithology was primary. Measurements: Height: of plate 10 1/4 in. x Width: 16 1/4 in. Condition: Good condition, not viewed out of frame, pencil mark right margin. Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. PHOTOS MAY ALSO ACT AS A CONDITION REPORT. Please review all photos closely prior to bidding. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'AS ISÕ, and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.
Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Oct. 26, 2024
Ornitholigical Print, Common Dottrel, John Selby.
Est: $80 - $150
Artist(s): Prideaux John Selby (UK, 1788-1867) Medium: Hand colored engraving. Signature(s): Unsigned. Paperwork: Attached en verso is a label from Douglas Kenyon Inc. Damage: Scattered foxing and toning present to the image. Scuffs to the frame. Measurement(s): 11" x 16" (impression), 20" x 25" (frame) In-house shipping is available. Please see our website regarding our in-house shipping procedures.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Oct. 05, 2024
Night Heron Engraving, Prideaux John Selby.
Est: $100 - $200
Artist(s): Prideaux John Selby (UK, 1788-1867) Medium: Hand colored engraving. Signature(s): N/A Paperwork: N/A Damage: Paint loss and scuffs to frame. The image has slipped in its matting. A few scuffs to the image. Measurement(s): 21 1/2" x 15 1/2" (sight), 32" x 25" (frame) In-house shipping is available. Please see our website regarding our in-house shipping procedures.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Sep. 18, 2024
PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY (United Kingdom, 1788-1867), "Peregrine Falcon, Young Female"., Colored lithograph on paper, 22.75" x 17.5" sight. Framed 30" x 24".
Est: $200 - $400
PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY United Kingdom, 1788-1867 "Peregrine Falcon, Young Female". Plate XV from "Illustrations of British Ornithology".
Eldred's
Aug. 29, 2024
Great Eared Owl Selby Plate XIX
Est: $50 - $500
Great Eared Owl Selby Plate XIX Great Eared Owl John Selby (British, 1788-1867 ) Plate XIX. Used condition, wear, worn, some foxing and discoloration. Not examined outside of frame. Framed size 31 1/2" x 26", sight size 22 1/4" x 17 1/4"
Nye & Company
Jun. 07, 2024
SELBY, Prideaux John. Cinerous Shearwater (Plate 102). 1832. ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION ART.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
SELBY, Prideaux John (British, 1788-1867) Cinerous Shearwater (Plate 102) Twizell House, 1832 watercolor, gouache, pen and ink on paper, on original mount signed "P.J. Selby" in lower left corner and dated, plate number penciled in upper left corner, captioned below on mount in pencil matted, image sheet 464 x 368 mm, overall sheet 673 x 578 mm. ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION ART prepared for Plate 102 of Selby's monumental work, Illustrations of British Ornithology (1821-1833).
Hindman
Jun. 07, 2024
SELBY, Prideaux John. Ring Ouzel (Plate 44). 1818-1823. ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION ART for Selby's monumental work.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
SELBY, Prideaux John (British, 1788-1867) Ring Ouzel (Plate 44) Twizell House, ca 1818-1823 watercolor, gouache, pen and ink on paper, original mount signed "P.J. Selby" in lower left corner and captioned, plate number penciled below on mount matted, image sheet 241 x 298 mm, overall sheet 667 x 584 mm. ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION ART prepared for Plate 44 of Selby's monumental work, Illustrations of British Ornithology (1821-1833). It appears this plate was changed in the final publication.
Hindman
May. 22, 2024
PRIEDEAUX JOHN SELBY (UK, 1788-1867)
Est: $600 - $800
PRIEDEAUX JOHN SELBY (UK, 1788-1867) "White Fronted Wild Goose", plate XLIII, hand colored engraving, from "Illustrations of British Ornithology, Water Birds", 1841-43, London, in cross grain burled panel frame, matted and glazed, under UV glass, OS: 27 1/2" x 32 1/4", SS: 17 1/2" x 22". Very good condition, not examined out of frame.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
May. 04, 2024
Prideaux John Selby Engraving of Grebe Birds.
Est: $100 - $200
Prideaux John Selby (England, 178-1867). This hand colored engraving depicts an ornithological study of Horned and Eared Grebes. It is plate LXXIV from Illustrations of British Ornithology. The work is housed in a brown and gray frame with a dual-tone mat. The sheet has a few creases: upper left and true middle. The frame has light wear. The sight area measures 16" x 22", and the frame measures 25" x 31". In-house shipping is available. Please see our website regarding our in-house shipping procedures.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
Feb. 14, 2024
Prideaux John Selby, Golden Eagle, Engraving
Est: $100 - $200
Property of Darleen F. Sullivan, Savannah, GA and Naples, FL Description: Prideaux John Selby, Golden Eagle, Hand-Colored Engraving, titled 'Golden Eagle Female Plate 1' upper right, from Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, matted and in a silvered wood frame. Frame size: 30 3/4 in. x 25 1/2 in. Measurements: Height: by sight, 22 in. x Width: 17 in. Condition: With alterations, the sheet cut and laid down on old paper backing and the rodent that would have appeared in the eagle's talon now painted over. Some creases, small tear lower right corner, paper toned, not viewed out of frame. Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. PHOTOS MAY ALSO ACT AS A CONDITION REPORT. Please review all photos closely prior to bidding. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'AS IS’, and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.
Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Jan. 25, 2024
Prideaux John Selby
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
British, 1788-1867 Smews, Male and Female Signed P J Selby (ll); inscribed Smews . . . pl. LIX on the mount (lr) Black ink, gray wash, and watercolor over graphite pencil on paper 14 ¼ x 17 3/8 inches (36.2 x 44.2 cm) Frame 22 7/8 x 25 3/4 inches (58. x 60.56 cm) Provenance: [Sale] Sotheby's New York, The Library of H. Bradley Martin: The Original Watercolors for Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, June 8, 1989, lot 417 Laid down to the mount. Some faint staining.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 25, 2024
Prideaux John Selby
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
British, 1788-1867 The Sandwich Tern Signed P J Selby (ll); inscribed on the mount Common Tern (lc) and PL XC (part) (ll) Black ink, gray wash, with watercolor and possibly gouache over graphite pencil on paper 10 1/8 x 14 ¼ inches (25.7 x 36.2 cm) Frame 18 5/8 x 22 7/8 inches (47.4 x 58.2 cm) Provenance: [Sale] Sotheby's New York, The Library of H. Bradley Martin: The Original Watercolors for Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, June 8, 1989, lot 452 Laid down to the mount. Some faint staining.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 24, 2024
PRIEDEAUX JOHN SELBY (UK, 1788-1867)
Est: $500 - $700
PRIEDEAUX JOHN SELBY (UK, 1788-1867) "Common Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin & Swift" hand-colored litho, Plate XLII from "British Ornithology, Land Birds", vol I, with Whatman 1821 watermark, nice rich color, full sheet, unframed, 10 1/4" x 15 3/4" impression, 20 3/4" x 25 1/4" sheet.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jan. 20, 2024
2) HAND-COLORED ENGRAVINGS ORNITHOLOGY BIRD PLATES
Est: $200 - $400
(lot of 2) Framed hand-colored engravings on paper, designed and engraved by Prideaux John Selby (United Kingdom, 1788-1867), including: (1) "Plate VI, Little Bittern," sight: approx 17"h, 23"w, overall: approx 26"h, 31"w; (1) "Plate VII, Night Heron," sight: approx 22"h, 16.5"w, overall: approx 31"h, 25.5"w; 18lbs total Start Price: $150.00
Austin Auction Gallery
Jan. 19, 2024
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Engravings on Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: Two Plates, H 15" W 10" 2 pcs
Est: $300 - $500
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plates Include: Common Buzzard, Female Plate VI & S. Kite or Glead Plate V Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI| Please note this lot is quite heavy. DuMouchelles is happy to provide curbside pickup services. However, our employees may not be available to assist our clients in packing or loading of any pieces, including bulky or heavy ones. If you are picking up bulky or heavy pieces, please bring assistance to pack and load your vehicle.
DuMouchelles
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY: Four Etchings
Est: $200 - $300
Four (4) ornithological etchings by Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) comprising male and female sets of birds. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Approx. 20" H x 25" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY, MITFORD, Etc.: Seven Etchings
Est: $200 - $300
Group of ornithological etchings, comprising four (4) by Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), two (2) by Robert Mitford (British, 1781-1870) and another by an unknown. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Approx. 20" H x 25" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY: Three Etchings
Est: $200 - $300
Three ornithological etchings, vertically oriented, by Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) comprising multiple study of Young Goshawk and Nutcracker. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [25" H x 20" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY, MITFORD, Etc.: Seven Etchings
Est: $300 - $400
Group of vertically oriented ornithological etchings, comprising six (6) by Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) and one (1) by Robert Mitford (British, 1781-1870) and another. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Plates mounted on 25" H x 20" W pages].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY & Others: Eight Etchings
Est: $300 - $400
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) and others, eight (8) ornithological etchings, vertically oriented, comprising multiple figural study plates. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Approx. 15" H x 10" W mounted on 25" H x 20" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY & Others: Five Etchings
Est: $300 - $400
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) and others, five (5) colored etchings, of a Common Gallinule, Egyptian Neophren, Gull, Black Scoter and Tufted Pochard. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Approx. 19" H x 21" W].
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 29, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY & Others: Three Etchings
Est: $300 - $400
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), Robert Mitford British, 1781-1870) and another, three (3) colored etchings, of a Black Tern, a Sea Eagle and a Rail. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC.
Roland Auctions NY
Dec. 05, 2023
Illustrations of British Ornithology, Vol. II
Est: $100 - $200
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), "Plates to Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, Vol. II", containing 20 plates, on double elephant folio, published by Henry G. Bohn, London, 1841, 27" x 21".
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Nov. 17, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Engravings on Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: One Plate
Est: $150 - $300
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plate: Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI
DuMouchelles
Nov. 17, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Engravings on Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: Two Plates, H 15" W 10" 2 pcs
Est: $300 - $500
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plates Include: Common Buzzard, Female Plate VI & S. Kite or Glead Plate V Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI
DuMouchelles
Nov. 17, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Engravings on Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: Two Plates, 2 pcs
Est: $300 - $500
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plates Include: Egyptian Neophron Plate & Goshawk Adult Plate XII. Each Frame Measures: 28" x 34". Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI
DuMouchelles
Nov. 17, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Etchings on Wove Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: Two Plates, H 16" W 21" 2 pcs
Est: $300 - $500
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plates Include: Honey Buzzard Plate VIII & Marsh Harrier Plate IX. Each Frame Measures: 22" x 17" Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI
DuMouchelles
Nov. 17, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) Etchings on Paper, Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology: Two Plates, H 21" W 16" 2 pcs
Est: $300 - $500
Published by Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme. Plates Include: Osprey Plate IV, Female & Cinereous Eagle Young, Plate III. Each Frame Measures: 34" x 28". Provenance: Old Print Shop, J.L. Hudson, Detroit, MI; Property from a Prominent Collector, Dearborn, MI
DuMouchelles
Nov. 04, 2023
Prideaux John SELBY: Eight Ornithological Etchings
Est: $500 - $1,000
Eight etchings of bird studies by Prideaux John Selby (English, 1788-1867). Some remounted, with etching lines. [20" H x 25" W]. Edges cracking. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC.
Roland Auctions NY
Oct. 26, 2023
Prideaux John Selby engraving
Est: $80 - $120
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867), engraving Green Lapwing - Plate XXXIV, 15 1/2" x 21 1/2", frame - 23 1/2" x 28 1/2". Provenance: The Collection of Mary Ann McIlnay, York, PA. Competitive in-house shipping is available for this lot.
Pook & Pook Inc.
Aug. 26, 2023
PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY (1788-1867), Hen Harrier, colour lithograph, signed and titled in plate, sheet size 66.5 x 54cm (visible), 69 x 57cm overall
Est: $600 - $1,000
PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY (1788-1867), Hen Harrier, colour lithograph, signed and titled in plate, sheet size 66.5 x 54cm (visible), 69 x 57cm overall
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Aug. 10, 2023
Prideaux John Selby (1788-1867), Plates to Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology, London, 1841: One Volume
Est: $400 - $800
The bound book of seventy-six engravings with hand-coloring by William Lizars, with bookplate from Wessington Court. 28 x 22 1/2 in. (book overall). Note: Wessington Court is a 19th century house built by William Henry Booth on the site of a 17th century house in the town of Woolhope, in Herefordshire, England.
STAIR
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Cuckoo, Male
Est: $300 - $500
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Selby - Plate XXXVII Cuckoo, Male. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Hooded Crow
Est: $300 - $500
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate XXIX Hooded Crow. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Common Godwit Winter Plumage
Est: $300 - $500
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate XXII Common Godwit Winter Plumage. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Glossy Ibis, Young
Est: $300 - $500
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate XII Glossy Ibis, Young. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Gull Billed Tern
Est: $200 - $400
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate LXXXVIII Gull Billed Tern. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Northern Gannet
Est: $200 - $400
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate LXXXVII Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus). Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Red Throated Diver, Young
Est: $200 - $400
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate LXXVIII Red Throated Diver, Young. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Cinereous Eagle, Young
Est: $200 - $400
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate III Cinereous Eagle, Young. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 08, 2023
Selby British Ornithology Engraving, Golden Eagle, Female
Est: $300 - $500
SELBY, Prideaux John (1788-1867). Plate I Golden Eagle, Female. Engraving with original hand color. From Selby's Illustrations of British Ornithology. Edinburgh: Daniel Lizars and London: Longman, Rees, Orme [ca 1818-1823]. Approx. 25" x 21" sheet.
Arader Galleries
Apr. 27, 2023
Prideaux John Selby
Est: $200 - $400
Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867) BOHEMIAN WAXING, Plate XXXIV hand colored etching on paper with J. Whatman 1821 watermark, framed sheet H25 3/4" W20 5/8" Provenance: Estate of a southern gentleman
Charlton Hall
Apr. 22, 2023
Selby Original Watercolor of Little Egret Heron
Est: $35,000 - $50,000
SELBY, Prideaux John (British, 1788-1867). "Little Egret Heron". Watercolor, gouache, grey and brown washes on paper. Signed lower left: "PJSelby". Original watercolor for Plate 5 Illustrations of British Ornithology London, ca. 1820 22 3/4" x 16 1/2" sheet, 32 1/2" x 27 1/2" framed. The British Audubon: John Prideaux Selby's most beautiful watercolor. Selby's description of the Little Egret Heron is as follows: "If the birds mentioned in the bill of fare at the famous feast of Archbishop NEVILLE, in the reign of HENRY IV, under the name of Egrets or Egrittes, were of this species, it must have been extremely abundant at that period, to have admitted of a thousand being served up at a single entertainment. I am, however, much inclined to favour the opinion of Dr FLEMING, as advanced in his History of British Animals, and to think that some other bird was there signified, most probably, as he suggests, the Lapwing or Pewit (Vanellus cristatus), which also possesses a long occipital crest, and which always has been, and still continues to be, remarkably plentiful throughout Britain. For otherwise (as he says), under the supposition that the Ardea garzetta was the bird alluded to, it is very difficult to account for the silence of our early writers in regard to this species being native in Britain. WILLOUGHBY, in his description of the Lesser White Heron (which is without doubt the bird now under consideration), expressly states, that the specimen from which it was taken was obtained in Venice; and he never even alludes to this bird as inhabiting or visiting the British Islands. PENNANT is the only writer who adduces any evidence of the Egret having been killed in Britain ; and even that evidence is far from being conclusive, Rarest vi. as it only amounts to his having once received from Angle sea the feathers of a bird shot there, which he conjectured to be those of the Egret. Under these circumstances, its claim to rank as a British bird stands upon nearly the same ground as that of the preceding species (Ardea alba), or the Great White Heron. Its geographical distribution is confined to the Old World; but it is represented in America by a closely-allied species (with which by some authors it has been confounded), viz. Ardea Carolinensis of WILSON'S North American Ornithology (Ardea candidissima of WAGLER). In Europe, it is sometimes found in Germany, where it is migratory; as also in France and Italy. It abounds in Turkey, Hungary, and Poland; and also occurs in Sicily and Sardinia. It inhabits the confines of Asia; and, in Africa, is met with in Nubia and Egypt. In its modes of life, it resembles its congeners, and builds among the reeds of lakes and marshes, laying from four to Food, &c. six bluish-white eggs. PLATE V. The body is entirely white. The occiput is crested, and has (when in perfect plumage) two or three General long narrow subulated feathers. The lower part of the neck is also adorned with long pendant feathers, slightly decomposed towards their tips. From the back, behind the shoulders, arises a course of long plumes, each composed of a strong elastic shaft, with long, decomposed hair-like silky webs, which move with the slightest breath of air. The ends of these feathers curl upwards, and form (as in Ardea alba) a beautiful train, which the bird, when suddenly disturbed, generally erects. The bill is black, as is also the naked part of the tibia, and upper half of the tarsus; the remainder of the tarsus and the toes being yellowish-green. The lores are greenish-yellow. The young are without the long subulated feathers of the occiput, and lower part of the neck, as well as of those which form the train of the mature bird; and the lower mandible is white for more than half its length from the base. In maturity, this bird measures from one foot ten inches to two feet long. The bill, measuring from the corners of the mouth, is rather more than three inches; the tarsi four inches; and the naked part of the tibia about two inches and a quarter in length."
Arader Galleries
Mar. 23, 2023
Birds.- Selby (Prideaux John) Purple Heron [Plate III], elephant folio engraving with hand-colouring, [c. 1819-1834].
Est: £150 - £200
NO RESERVE Birds.- Selby (Prideaux John) Purple Heron [Plate III], elephant folio print from 'Illustrations of British Ornithology', engraving with full hand-colouring, on Whatman wove paper with watermark dated '1826', platemark 555 x 400 mm (21 7/8 x 15 3/4 in), sheet 665 x 530 mm (26 1/4 x 20 7/8 in), marginal tears and small losses, not effecting the plate, large damp-stain to right margin, minor handling creases, unframed, [circa 1819-1834]
Forum Auctions - UK
Jan. 27, 2023
HAND-COLORED ENGRAVING AFTER PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY (1788-1867)
Est: $50 - $150
HAND-COLORED ENGRAVING AFTER PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY (1788-1867) Eider Duck, Plate LXX Full figure of the male of the species in water, titled in plate. Matted behind glass, sliver-gilt frame.
Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 26, 2023
Birds.- Selby (Prideaux John) Twelve plates of sea birds, from 'Illustrations of British Ornithology', engravings, [1819-1834]; and 2 others (14).
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Birds.- Selby (Prideaux John) Twelve plates of sea birds, from 'Illustrations of British Ornithology', including 'Northern Diver, adult', 'Solan Gannet', 'Gooseander, female', Glatcous Gull', 'Herring Gull, old', 'Great Black Backed Gull, old', 'Kitiwake', 'Herring Gull, young', 'Lesser Black Backed Gull', ''Fulmar Petrel', 'Greenshank', and 'Common Crake', engravings with full hand-colouring, sheets from 320 x 440 mm (12 1/2 x 17 1/4 in) to 670 x 540 mm (26 1/4 x 21 1/4 in), all under glass, minor spotting and some faint surface dirt, framed, Edinburgh, Lizars, [circa 1819-1834]; together with 2 other engravings of British birds by another hand, 19th century (14)
Forum Auctions - UK