Common Rooster and Golden Pheasant (*Gallus domesticus*), (*Chrysolophus pictus*) Original Antique Print by Prêtre (c.1835)

Rooster and Golden Pheasant: Ornament and Elegance in Gallinaceous Form

This refined ornithological engraving presents two gallinaceous birds identified in the plate as Gallo comune and Fagiano dorato. The sheet belongs to the ornithological section of the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali, where Pierre Antoine Prêtre combines domestic familiarity with exotic brilliance.

The upper rooster stands with upright confidence, while the lower golden pheasant introduces elongated elegance and striking chromatic richness, creating a composition that balances structure and ornament.

— • —

Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The Rooster is articulated through layered feather detail, where greens, russet tones, and iridescent tail plumes create controlled complexity. The bright red comb provides a focal accent against the darker mantle.

Below, the Golden Pheasant radiates saturated crimson and luminous yellow across the crest and body, contrasted by cool blue wing patches and a long speckled tail. The horizontal extension of the tail introduces movement, while generous negative space maintains the cabinet-like clarity characteristic of early nineteenth-century zoological engraving.

About the Subject

The domestic rooster is associated with Gallus gallus domesticus, long symbolizing vigilance and rural life in European iconography. Its inclusion reflects the encyclopedic ambition to document both wild and domesticated species.

The Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is native to western China and was highly prized in European ornamental collections for its extraordinary coloration. In nineteenth-century natural history illustration, pheasants were celebrated for their elaborate plumage, which translated vividly into hand-applied pigments. This plate therefore juxtaposes rural familiarity with exotic display.

Condition Report

The engraving is in very good antique condition. The impression is clean and well-defined, with preserved original hand-colouring. The paper is smooth early nineteenth-century wove paper (non-laid), consistent with Italian scientific editions of the period. No watermark has been observed. Minor age toning, if present, is consistent with antique paper and does not affect the legibility or decorative quality of the plate.

Details

• Artist (drawn by): Pierre Antoine Prêtre (“Prêtre dip.”)
• Scientific direction: Turpin (“Turpin direx.”)
• Engraver: Chiussone (“Chiussone inc.”)
• Work / Publication: Dizionario di Scienze Naturali – Sacchetti Collection
• Subjects: Rooster (Gallus gallus domesticus) & Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)
• Period: early 19th century (c. 1835)
• Technique: Original hand-colored copperplate engraving
• Paper: Original smooth wove paper
• Watermark: None observed
• Sheet size: approximately 22 × 15 cm

For further context on Pierre Antoine Prêtre and his contribution to nineteenth-century zoological illustration, see our editorial feature:

Pierre Antoine Prêtre – Illustrator of Natural Science and Marine Life