Antique Great Auk Natural History Engraving, Framed

Antique 19th-Century Great Auk, Little Auk & Red-Throated Diver Engraving – Framed Natural History Art
A fascinating piece of antique natural history, this authentic 19th-century engraving features three beautifully illustrated seabirds identified on the original plate as the Great Auk, Little Auk, and Red-Throated Diver.
What makes this particular engraving especially compelling is the Great Auk. Once found across the North Atlantic, the Great Auk was a large, flightless seabird that became extinct in the 19th century after intense human exploitation. The last widely recognized breeding pair was killed in 1844.  
The Little Auk remains a living species today, while the bird historically labeled the Red-Throated Diver is known in North America as the Red-Throated Loon. This engraving offers a wonderful glimpse into the way birds were identified and presented in early natural history publications.
The engraving dates to the 1800s and was acquired from an antique dealer specializing in American and French ephemera. Its age is represented to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided at the time of acquisition and my research.
This original antique engraving has been thoughtfully paired with a new, modern silver-tone frame. This frame is slightly different in style from the other framed bird engraving in my collection, featuring a wider, softly textured silver finish that gives the piece a more substantial contemporary presentation.
I use acid-free backing and acid-free tape to carefully secure the antique engraving to an acid-free mat, helping protect the historic paper while allowing it to be enjoyed and displayed in today’s home.
The frame can be hung on a wall or displayed on an easel.
Details
Artwork: Authentic antique natural history engraving
Plate: Plate 71
Subject: Great Auk, Little Auk & Red-Throated Diver
Age of Engraving: 1800s / 19th century
Source: Acquired from an antique dealer specializing in American and French ephemera
Frame: New, modern silver-tone frame
Frame Size: Approximately 8” × 10”
Engraving Size: Approximately 5” × 7”
Mounting: Acid-free mat, acid-free backing, and acid-free tape
Display: Wall hanging or easel display
Condition
The engraving is authentically antique and shows natural age-related toning, foxing, spotting, edge wear, and imperfections consistent with paper that has survived for well over a century. These timeworn characteristics are part of the history and authenticity of the piece.
The frame and mat are new.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description.
A particularly meaningful piece for a bird lover, natural history collector, antique ephemera enthusiast, or collector of extinct-species imagery. The inclusion of the now-extinct Great Auk gives this engraving an especially poignant connection to natural history.
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