Honey Buzzard (*Pernis apivorus*) & Rough-legged Buzzard (*Buteo lagopus*) Original hand-colored Antique Print Prêtre (c.1835)

Falchi Pecchiaioli and White-tailed Buzzard: Exotic Elegance in Early Ornithology

This ornithological engraving presents two raptors identified in the plate as Falco pecchiaiolo col ciuffo di Giava and Poiana a coda bianca. The sheet belongs to the ornithological section of the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali, where Pierre Antoine Prêtre combines scientific discipline with refined compositional balance.

The upper bird, rendered in warm copper-brown tonalities, contrasts with the darker, cooler hues of the lower buzzard, creating a harmonious vertical dialogue between two distinct yet related species.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upper honey-buzzard displays layered chestnut and umber plumage articulated through precise copperplate linework. The yellow talons introduce vivid chromatic accents against the pale branch.

Below, the white-tailed buzzard presents a darker mantle with contrasting pale underparts. The composition remains restrained, allowing feather texture and tonal contrast to emerge within the scientific clarity characteristic of early nineteenth-century natural history engraving.

About the Subject

Honey-buzzards are commonly associated with the genus Pernis, specialized raptors known for feeding on wasps and bees. The reference to “Giava” reflects early nineteenth-century European geographic nomenclature for Java, indicating expanding global taxonomy.

Buzzards, within the genus Buteo, represent adaptable raptors distributed across Europe and beyond. Their inclusion in encyclopedic works illustrates the growing scientific interest in comparative ornithology during the period.

Condition Report

The engraving is in very good antique condition. The impression is sharp and the original hand-colouring remains vibrant. 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 may be present, consistent with its age.

Details

• Artist (drawn by): Pierre Antoine Prêtre (“Prêtre dip.”)
• Scientific direction: Turpin (“Turpin direx.”)
• Engraver: Terenzi (“Terenzi inc.”)
• Work / Publication: Dizionario di Scienze Naturali – Sacchetti Collection
• Subjects: Honey-buzzard (Pernis sp., associated) & Buzzard (Buteo sp., associated)
• 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 insight into Pierre Antoine Prêtre’s role in nineteenth-century zoological illustration, see our editorial feature:

Pierre Antoine Prêtre – Illustrator of Natural Science and Marine Life