6. BIRD ALBUM. [After Edward Donovan] Album of British Birds. [England: c.1830]. Oblong 8vo (180 x 300mm). An album of 94 watercolors of British Birds on 47 leaves, drawn two to a page, on thick wove paper, the majority with small vermillion paper labels with Latin and English names. Late 19th century half morocco album, with the label of Rodman and Co, the foot of spine with ownership initials B.W.W. Condition: 12 leaves with the drawings cut and pasted side by side, extremities of binding very lightly rubbed.
A very well executed series of Bird drawings in the style if not the hand of Edward Donovan (1768-1837). The intricate brushwork on the feathers and body are very reminiscent of the work of Donovan or a member of his family. This group of watercolors appears to have been assembled in this binding by a Belfast bookseller in the 1880s.
est. $3000 – £5000