Bird Painting - The Eighteenth Century by Christine E Jackson, 1994: Antique Collectors Club, Vintage Coffee Table Book

A beautiful volume devoted to the art and history of eighteenth-century bird painting! Bird Painting: The Eighteenth Century by Christine E. Jackson was published in England by Antique Collectors’ Club Ltd. in 1994.

This is the second volume in Jackson’s Great Bird Paintings of the World series. Jackson brings together her knowledge of both art and ornithology in this richly illustrated study, examining the work of important bird artists of the eighteenth century and the changing ways birds were depicted during this period. Artists discussed include Pieter Casteels, Marmaduke Cradock, Willem Frederick van Royen, Tobias Stranover, Jakob Bogdani, and Abraham Bisschop. The book also explores the symbolism found in bird paintings as well as observations of bird behavior.

The eighteenth century was an important period in the development of bird art. As naturalists increasingly relied on observation and evidence, traditional myths and conventions gave way to greater attention to the natural world. The discovery of exotic birds from newly explored regions, including North America, India, and Australia, also expanded the subject matter available to artists. Jackson discusses the growing popularity of watercolor as a medium for depicting birds, making this an especially interesting book for anyone interested in the intersection of art, natural history, and ornithology.

The 8.75 x 11” hardcover book with dust jacket contains 143 pages and is extensively illustrated with both color and black-and-white illustrations. It also includes an index. It is in excellent vintage condition with dust jacket.