Hand colored in delicate detail, framed and matted original late 18th century engravings, two with labels visible: “Phalarope de Siberie” and “Pie varié de la Caroline.” Martinet (1731-?) was born in Paris and worked independently as well as with the Comte de Buffon on the encyclopedic work Histoire Naturelle which included 9 volumes on birds, published between 1770 and 1783. Framing and matting differs, the pair with caramel silk mats and gold frames are larger, the other pair are more closely matted in cream and smaller over all in natural wood frames. Good antique condition, light wear, irregularities, signs of age to the laid paper, one pair more oxidized. Larger pair: H: 16 ½ W: 14 D: 1 Smaller pair: H: 14 ⅛ W: 12 ⅛ D: ¾