Common Quail by Nozeman & Houttuyn. 1770-1829
This work, a testament to the dedication of Nozeman and Houttuyn, spanned nearly sixty years. Nozeman, the visionary behind this endeavour, curated a cabinet of animals and delved into the world of native birds, their nests, habitats, and eggs. The book's pages are adorned with numerous plates depicting the birds alongside their eggs. Following Nozeman's passing, Houttuyn stepped in to continue the editing. Upon Houttuyn's demise in 1798, the publishers likely carried on the work, possibly with C.J. Temminck, who contributed many descriptions.
Each volume contains fifty hand-coloured copperplates; according to the first two volumes, the drawings are due to N. Muis, whereas W. Hendriks is mentioned in the fourth volume.
The complete set of five volumes, a treasure trove of avian knowledge, commanded a hefty price of fl.525.00. This staggering sum solidifies its status as the most expensive book available for sale in the Netherlands during that period, a testament to its rarity and value.
Allain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706)
Allain Manesson Mallet was born the son of Philippe Mallet in 1630. His father was an ingénieur ordinaire to Louis XIV and a professor of mathematics around 1645. Allain, at first, carried muskets to the regiment of guards of Louis XIV and then became an engineer like his father. Later becoming a sergeant-major of artillery, he travelled extensively in Spain and Portugal, supervising the fortifications there. On his return to France, he was named master of mathematics. In 1671 he published the Travaux de Mars, a book on military fortifications. He followed in 1683 with the work concerned here, the Description de L'Univers, a five-volume geographical text covering all aspects of the subject. It was heavily illustrated with nearly 700 prints and maps. (Burden)
Tetrao, Coturnix.
Item Number: 4795 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Prints > Natural History
Common Quail by Nozeman & Houttuyn.
Title: Tetrao, Coturnix.
Date: 1770-1829.
Copper engraving, printed on paper.
Image (plate) size: 420 x 280mm (16.54 x 11.02 inches).
Sheet size: 525 x 365mm (20.67 x 14.37 inches).
Verso: Blank.
Condition: Original hand coloured, excellent.
Condition Rating: A+.
From: Nozeman Cornelius & Houttuyn M. Nederlandsche vogelen; volgens hunne huishoudinge, aert en eigenschappen. Amsterdam, Jan Christ. Sepp, 1770-1829. 5 vol. with 250 hand-coloured engraved plates.
This work, a testament to the dedication of Nozeman and Houttuyn, spanned nearly sixty years. Nozeman, the visionary behind this endeavour, curated a cabinet of animals and delved into the world of native birds, their nests, habitats, and eggs. The book's pages are adorned with numerous plates depicting the birds alongside their eggs. Following Nozeman's passing, Houttuyn stepped in to continue the editing. Upon Houttuyn's demise in 1798, the publishers likely carried on the work, possibly with C.J. Temminck, who contributed many descriptions.
Each volume contains fifty hand-coloured copperplates; according to the first two volumes, the drawings are due to N. Muis, whereas W. Hendriks is mentioned in the fourth volume.
The complete set of five volumes, a treasure trove of avian knowledge, commanded a hefty price of fl.525.00. This staggering sum solidifies its status as the most expensive book available for sale in the Netherlands during that period, a testament to its rarity and value.
Allain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706)
Allain Manesson Mallet was born the son of Philippe Mallet in 1630. His father was an ingénieur ordinaire to Louis XIV and a professor of mathematics around 1645. Allain, at first, carried muskets to the regiment of guards of Louis XIV and then became an engineer like his father. Later becoming a sergeant-major of artillery, he travelled extensively in Spain and Portugal, supervising the fortifications there. On his return to France, he was named master of mathematics. In 1671 he published the Travaux de Mars, a book on military fortifications. He followed in 1683 with the work concerned here, the Description de L'Univers, a five-volume geographical text covering all aspects of the subject. It was heavily illustrated with nearly 700 prints and maps. (Burden)