[SCHLEGEL, Hermann and A. H. VERSTER van WULVERHORST]. - Lot 160

[SCHLEGEL, Hermann and A. H. VERSTER van WULVERHORST]. [Traité de Fauconnerie - Planches]. [Leiden and Düsseldorf], Arnz & Comp, [1844-1853]. In folio format. In strong paper sheets (ca. 51 x 66-67 cm), (very slight oxidation of the paper, traces of mitering on the verso of some plates, very discreet lateral soiling, a few very small tears at the corners and edges of 2 plates). Beautiful set of 12 large lithographs printed in black and finely colored, from Schlegel's famous Traité de la fauconnerie, each titled at the bottom of the sheet. Includes the 2 plates of falconry equipment by van Wouw after Portman and 10 plates (of 12) depicting falcons or hawks by Wendel, after the ornithologist Joseph Wolf, all superbly and finely enhanced in watercolor at the time. Extremely rare and highly sought-after. Composed directly in French, the historic language of falconry, and dedicated to King William III of the Netherlands, a great lover of hunting and birds of prey. The work was published in two parts, in Leiden and Düsseldorf between 1844 and 1853, with an estimated print run of only 100 copies. Considered the finest published work on the art of falconry. This is due to the beauty of the plates, with the falcons depicted life-size and the reproduction of their natural colors executed with great finesse. "The life-size illustrations are by far the most beautiful ever produced in a book on falconry. It is impossible to describe the softness and beauty of the colors" (Schwerdt). Our set contains the emblematic depiction of the white gyrfalcon on a gloved fist (Le Groënlandais, faucon blanc mué). Hunting. Ornithology. Schwerdt, II, 150; Thiebaud, 833-34.