Baza Madagascariensis – Madagascar Baza – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £85
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1876
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 32.5cm x 25cm

Condition:

Original hand-coloured lithograph. Minor age-toning to the margins. In very good indeed, clean condition overall. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: FS: Folder JGK 001813

Madagascar Baza: A Brief Description

The Baza Madagascariensis, commonly known as the Madagascar Baza, is a species of bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is primarily found in Madagascar but also migrates seasonally to mainland Africa. Here’s more information about this fascinating bird:

Physical Characteristics:

• The Madagascar Baza is a medium-sized raptor, typically measuring about 30-35 cm in length.
• It has a distinct crest on its head, which gives it a striking appearance.
• The bird’s plumage is quite distinctive, featuring dark brown upper parts with barred underparts that are white and brown. The breast often has rufous (reddish-brown) streaking.
• The wings are broad and rounded, suitable for manoeuvring in dense forest environments.
• The tail is long and barred, which helps in balancing during flight.

Habitat and Range:

• The species is endemic to Madagascar but is also found in Comoros and along the east coast of Africa during its non-breeding season.
• Its preferred habitat includes tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and occasionally mangroves.
• Outside Madagascar, the bird can be spotted in regions like Mozambique and Tanzania during migration.

Behaviour and Diet:

• The Madagascar Baza is primarily a forest-dwelling bird and is known for its agile flight as it navigates through dense canopies.
• Its diet mainly consists of insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small birds. It uses a sit-and-wait hunting method, perching quietly and then ambushing its prey.
• It has been observed catching prey in mid-air or swooping down to snatch prey from the ground.

Breeding:

• The breeding season for the Madagascar Baza in Madagascar typically takes place between October and January.
• The bird builds a nest high in trees, usually made of twigs and leaves.
• The female lays a clutch of about 2-3 eggs, and both parents take part in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.

Conservation Status:

• The Madagascar Baza is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning that, as of now, it does not face an immediate threat of extinction. However, like many species in Madagascar, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction due to deforestation and land development.
• Conservation efforts in Madagascar, particularly those focused on preserving forest habitats, play a crucial role in maintaining the population of this bird.

In summary, the Baza madagascariensis is a unique and important bird of prey, contributing to the ecological balance in the forests of Madagascar and beyond. Its distinctive appearance and behaviour make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.

John Gerrard Keulemans: A Short Biography

John Gerrard Keulemans (1842–1912) was a prolific and influential Dutch bird illustrator whose work remains celebrated for its accuracy and artistic detail. He was born on June 8, 1842, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed an interest in natural history, particularly in birds, and this passion guided him toward a career in scientific illustration.

Early Life and Career

Keulemans studied under Hermann Schlegel at the Natural History Museum in Leiden, where he honed his skills as a naturalist and artist. This connection led to one of his early assignments: joining an expedition to West Africa in 1864 to collect specimens. His work during this period helped him establish his reputation as both a naturalist and an illustrator. He documented various species of birds, adding greatly to the knowledge of African avifauna.

Move to London and Prolific Period

In 1869, Keulemans moved to England, where he would spend the rest of his career. London at that time was a hub of scientific research and publishing, making it an ideal base for an artist like Keulemans. He quickly became a leading illustrator for many of the major ornithological works of the 19th century.

Major Works

Keulemans illustrated more than 100 books on natural history, with his most famous contributions to:

• “The Birds of Great Britain” (1862–1873) by John Gould – Keulemans contributed to many of Gould’s other works, but this publication remains one of the most significant.
• “A History of the Birds of New Zealand” (1873, 1888, 1906) by Sir Walter Buller – Keulemans’ illustrations were essential to the understanding of New Zealand’s birdlife.
• “The Ibis” and “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London” – leading ornithological journals where Keulemans’ works regularly appeared.
• “The Avifauna of Laysan” and “The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands” by R. C. L. Perkins.

Keulemans’ distinctive style involved the meticulous depiction of birds in natural, life-like poses. His plates were highly detailed, showcasing the nuances of feathers and anatomy, and he often portrayed birds in natural habitats to highlight their behaviour and environment.

Style and Techniques

Keulemans mainly worked in lithography, a printmaking process that allowed for mass production of his artwork while maintaining high-quality detail. He was known for his ability to bring a bird’s plumage and colour to life on paper, despite the limitations of the printing techniques of the time. His method involved working with specimens, either from museums or from field collections, to create scientifically accurate and dynamic illustrations.

Personal Life

Keulemans lived in England for much of his life and married in 1871. He fathered 11 children, though only six survived into adulthood. Despite his immense output and contributions to science, Keulemans often struggled financially, a common challenge for many illustrators of his era.

Legacy

John Gerrard Keulemans passed away on March 29, 1912, in Ilford, Essex, England. His legacy is firmly cemented in the world of ornithological illustration. His works continue to be highly regarded for their scientific value and artistic beauty. Many of his original illustrations are held in museums and private collections, and his detailed depictions are still referenced by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts today.

Keulemans’ work represents an important bridge between the art of the natural world and scientific inquiry, providing invaluable insight into bird species from around the world during a period when photography was still in its infancy. His illustrations remain among the finest examples of ornithological art.

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