Jacques Barraband Art

Jacques Barraband (Born 1767 – died 1809) was born in France to a weaver at the famed Aubusson Factory. He’s a botanical and zoological illustrator, regarded as one of the finest artists of the late 18th century. Barraband is known for his life-like images of tropical birds. His most famous work revolves around the illustrations he developed to accompany François LeVaillant’s scientific studies. LeVaillant was a French explorer, author, zoological collector, naturalist, and noted ornithologist. The publication, Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets (Natural history of parrots), in which he participated, is still considered one of the most beautiful collections of bird illustrations of all time. It was published in Paris between 1801 and 1805. Barraband worked for the porcelain factory and the Gobelin Factory of Sèvres. He was tutored by Joseph Malaine, an esteemed flower painter. When he began collaborating with printer Francois Langlois and engraver Louis Bouquet to create the artwork for Natural history of parrots, he participated in the technique of a la poupee inspired by Langois. The technique involves carefully hand inking engraved plates using a felt dauber with colored inks. An impression from the carefully inked plate is pulled off then embellished further with watercolor. The resulting engraving has rich striking color and exceptional detail. His illustration was considered the most accurate ones made during the early 1800s, and his pictures were based on mounted specimens. His art were and are still popular to date, especially the framed Jacques Barraband art. After his death, a monument was erected by his students in his memory at the Lyons cemetery.