Bidspirit auction | Jacques Eustache de Sève (1742–1788)

Jacques Eustache de Sève (1742–1788) – L’Effraie (Barn Owl) – Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving (1766) - This richly detailed hand-coloured engraving titled L’Effraie (Barn Owl) was published as part of Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon’s monumental Histoire Naturelle in 1766. The image, originally drawn by Jacques Eustache de Sève and engraved by C. Baron, presents the owl perched solemnly on gothic architecture under a glowing full moon, with the rooftops of a nocturnal town in the background. This dramatic setting typifies the visual narrative style of Buffon’s natural history illustrations, which merged scientific interest with theatrical presentation. Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle was one of the Enlightenment’s most influential natural science projects, blending taxonomy, philosophy, and aesthetics.Jacques Eustache de Sève (1742–1788) was a leading illustrator of natural history and anatomical works in 18th-century France, and C. Baron was among the engravers selected to translate his drawings into copperplate. The work was published in Paris in 1766.Artist or Maker: C. Baron after Jacques Eustache de SèveDimensions: 26 cm x 20 cmMedium: Hand-Coloured Copperplate EngravingDate: 1766Condition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.