Original Mark Catesby Eighteenth Century Engraving

Item Details

An original engraving by listed artist Mark Catesby (1682 – 1749). Mark Catesby is best known for his study and illustrated book, Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahamas Islands. This illustration is the thirty third engraving of the text’s second volume, and features a variety of subjects which follow as such: Cancellus Terrestris Bahamensis: The Hermit Crab; Manghala arbor Curassafica, foliis Salignis: Button-Wood; Frutex trifolius resinosus. The Illustration is accompanied by the text on pages 33 and 34, in English and French, in hand set type which describes the subjects depicted in full. Catesby’s text is one of the earliest contributions to the study and illustration of natural history in America, which makes this a truly historic engraving. He spent much of his time after arriving in the colonies, in Charleston, on May 23, 1722, and for this reason his work is highly collectable in the Southern United States. Encouragement and financial assistance for his landfall text came mainly from Colonel Francis Nicholson, Governor of South Carolina. Upon his arrival, Mr. Catesby set about to illustrate all the plants, animals, birds, fish, and reptiles in the young British colony. He was frequently assisted along the way by Native Americans. The result was the publication of a work consisting of 220 hand-colored engravings, accompanied by descriptions in hand set type (the press kiss is still very tangible). This print is visibly from one of the first three editions as it is printed on hand laid paper, published in London 1731-1743 (first edition), 1751-1755 (second edition), 1771-1775 (third edition) c.1800 (fourth edition). Catesby is perhaps the first biologist/ornithologist to make drawings of his subjects. He is also perhaps the first to make multiples vis a vis engravings of said subjects. He taught himself engraving upon returning to London and published the first edition of recreations between 1731-43. The print is presented in a simple wooden frame with mellow stain and a single white mat to edge, with textual description housed in a pocket to frame back.

Condition

Considering the age of this print it’s in extremely good shape with minor foxing and some scratching to frame.

Dimensions

Item #

13CIN076-036