Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 9127:
Description
Great Footed Hawk or Peregrine Falcon. 76
This exceptional originally hand-colored engraving is from Alexander Wilson’s
American Ornithology; or the Natural History of the Birds of the United States. Illustrated with plates engraved and coloured from original drawings taken from nature. This is the first edition published between 1808 and 1814 in Philadelphia by Bradford and Inskeep.
Alexander Wilson is known as the “Father of American Ornithology.” He spent a decade traversing the Eastern United States studying the birds and discovered 26 previously unknown species. Wilson’s work, American Ornithology, was the first focused on only American birds. Scientist and historian Dr. Elliott Coues noted of Wilson’s work, "Perhaps no other work on ornithology of equal extent is equally free from error, and its truthfulness is illuminated by a spark of the ‘fire divine’."
Ruffed Grouse
This exceptional originally hand-colored engraving is from Alexander Wilson’s
American Ornithology or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States. This is the second edition published in 1829. This edition is often preferred to the first because of the superior paper quality. The same copper plates were used in publication so the subjects are identical to the first.
Alexander Wilson is known as the “Father of American Ornithology.” Wilson’s work,
American Ornithology, was the first focused on only American birds. Wilson drew most of the birds for the work himself and employed Alexander Lawson and John G. Warnicke for the engraving.
Paper Size: Hawk ~ 13 3/4" by 10 5/8"; Grouse ~ 14 3/4" by 11 3/4"
Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in good to excellent condition overall. There may be a some faint toning or a few minor marks or imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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