Autruche (Ostrich), from "Histoire Naturelle de Oiseaux" 1770 - 1786

"Autruche (Ostrich)" is a hand-colored engraving by François Nicolas Martinet from his renowned "Histoire Naturelle de Oiseaux" (Natural History of Birds) series, created between 1770 and 1786. The print depicts a single ostrich standing on a grassy patch, its long neck and feathery tail meticulously rendered. This detailed and scientifically accurate depiction showcases Martinet's skill as a naturalist artist, contributing to the growing interest in ornithology during the 18th century. The print is a testament to the burgeoning field of natural history and the artistic endeavors that accompanied it.