About the Artist
Louis-Isidore Duperrey was a French naval officer and hydrographer whose 1822 to 1825 circumnavigation aboard La Coquille produced one of the great scientific surveys of the early nineteenth century. The published Voyage autour du monde combined navigation, geography, and natural history, reflecting an era when expeditions were expected to return with knowledge as well as maps. His plates continue to appeal to collectors interested in authentic nineteenth-century natural history prints that embody the spirit of exploration and scientific curiosity.
This work also sits comfortably alongside the scholarly spirit found in our science collection, where illustration and discovery meet.
The Artwork
Voyage autour du monde 155 is part of the zoological atlas created from Duperrey’s global expedition, a time when European institutions were racing to document species from distant regions. The featured subject, Sarcelle des Malais, reflects the period’s fascination with classification and comparative observation, influenced by museum collections and the spread of Linnaean taxonomy. Originally, this plate served as a scientific reference, bridging the gap between field discovery and published knowledge.
Today, it stands as a vintage bird print that conveys the quiet authority of expedition science and careful observation.
Style & Characteristics
The composition displays a single teal duck in profile, set against a clean, white background that prioritizes study over scenery. Precise outlines and subtle shading define the bird’s form, while selective hand-coloring brings attention to its green head, chestnut breast, and touches of red on the wing. The restrained palette and uncluttered layout evoke a calm, archival mood, making it a classic example of early ornithological illustration.
This print is ideal for those who appreciate the understated elegance and scientific clarity of historical natural history art.
In Interior Design
This vintage print lends a refined touch to a home office, reading nook, or hallway, especially where a sense of curiosity and order is desired. Pair it with light wood, matte black, or antique brass framing to echo its period origins, or explore our frames collection for a tailored gallery look. Its airy background suits white walls, while green accents in textiles or plants can subtly echo the illustration’s tones.
For a cohesive display, combine it with other natural history and wildlife pieces from our animal wall art collection to create an elegant, museum-inspired interior.
