Erithacus rubeculus

Johann Friedrich Naumann prints bring together the birds of Central Europe in clear, carefully coloured plates. Naumann is regarded as the founder of scientific ornithology in Europe, and his great natural history of German birds set a new standard for accuracy. Our collection of fine art prints includes plates of cranes, swans, geese, gulls, waders, woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers and many more, each labelled with its Latin name.

About Johann Friedrich Naumann

Johann Friedrich Naumann was born on 14 February 1780, the son of the naturalist Johann Andreas Naumann, on the family estate at Ziebigk near Köthen. His grandfather kept aviaries there, and his father shot, caught and studied birds. After attending the princely school at Dessau from 1790 to 1794, he returned home to study agriculture, botany, geology and above all birds.

With his father he published The Eggs of German Birds (1818–1828) and The Natural History of German Birds (Naturgeschichte der Vögel Deutschlands), from 1822. Its plates were at first engraved by Naumann after drawings by Friedrich Osterloh; unhappy with their quality, he improved his own drawing so he could make them himself. He also wrote down birdsong, using musical notation.

In 1821 he sold his bird collection to the Duke of Anhalt-Köthen and became curator of the ducal collection at Köthen castle, open to the public from 1835. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Breslau in 1839 and died on 15 August 1857. The German ornithological journal Naumannia was named after him.

Style and Subjects

Naumann's plates are designed for identification. Birds are shown in profile, often male, female and young together or two related species side by side, so differences in plumage are easy to compare.

The drawing is precise and the colour soft and natural, with careful attention to feathers, bills and legs. Simple ground lines or branches give each bird a setting without distracting from it.

Famous Works

• Grus grus (Common Crane). A tall grey crane, one of the grandest birds in the collection.
• Cygnus cygnus (Whooper Swan). The wild swan of the north.
• Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo). The familiar cuckoo of European woods.
• Monticola cyanus (Blue Rock Thrush). A deep blue thrush of rocky slopes.
• Dendrocopus leuconotus (White-backed Woodpecker). A boldly patterned woodpecker.
• Branta leucopsis (Barnacle Goose). A black-and-white goose of northern coasts.

Decorating with Naumann Prints

Naumann's bird plates suit a study, library, hallway or country kitchen. A row of three or four plates in natural oak frames gives a calm, classic look, and the larger birds, such as the crane or the swan, work well as single pieces.

Group them by habitat, such as waterbirds for a bathroom or garden birds for a breakfast room, or give a favourite species as a gift to a birdwatcher.

FAQ

Who was Johann Friedrich Naumann?

Johann Friedrich Naumann (1780–1857) was a German scientist, artist, engraver and editor, regarded as the founder of scientific ornithology in Europe.

What is Naumann's most famous work?

The Natural History of German Birds (Naturgeschichte der Vögel Deutschlands), begun with his father and published from 1822.

Did Naumann draw his own plates?

At first he engraved plates after drawings by Friedrich Osterloh, then improved his own drawing so he could make better ones himself. The colouring was done by others following his printed instructions.

Where did Naumann work?

On his family estate at Ziebigk near Köthen, and as curator of the Duke of Anhalt-Köthen's bird collection at Köthen castle.

What is Naumannia?

A German ornithological journal named in his honour.

Related Artists

• John Gould: English publisher of great bird plate books
• Joseph Wolf: German-born painter of birds and animals
• John James Audubon: painter of the birds of North America