Antique Maps & Prints of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 4615:
Description
The
Naturalist’s Miscellany was a monumental 24-volume work, known for its wide range of birds, reptiles, insects, quadrupeds, sea life, and botanicals. These prints are highly sought after by collectors for their extremely decorative and whimsical nature. George Shaw authored the work, providing details for the over 1000 species described therein. Fredrick Nodder was the engraver for most of the work. After his death in 1800, however, his son took over the position. The work was published in London from 1789 to 1813.
Each engraving features beautiful, original hand-coloring on woven, J. Whatman watermarked paper. The original descriptive text (sometimes in both English and Latin) is included with each engraving.
George Shaw was a doctor, Fellow of the Royal Society, co-founder of the Linnean Society, and a zoologist of the British Museum. He was also the first to publish a scientific description of the platypus which was done in his noted work with Frederick Nodder, the
Naturalist’s Miscellany.
Paper Size: ~ 5 3/8" by 8 3/4"; Leg ~ 4 3/4 – 5 3/8" by 11 1/8" (Fold Out)
Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There are notations in the lower margin from the previous owner to the locations of the bird\'s leg and head engravings in the work. This marking would mat out easily and is outside the plate mark. There is some paper loss at the upper right of the paper on the leg engraving due to the fold out nature of the plate and binding process. The left and right plate marks and image are trimmed slightly on the engraving of the head due to the binding process. There may be some faint offset or very light marks of imperfections to be expected with age which is common to this work, but generally one of the cleaner sets we\'ve seen. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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