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John Wilkes
Asterias (Starfish)

1801

About the Item

JOHN WILKES (1750-1810) Encyclopedia Londinensis after Reinhold and Edwards London, 1801-1828 Copper Plate Engraving Original Hand-Color At its best, the zoological art of the early nineteenth century is distinguished by tightness of drawing and brightness of coloring. These gaudily illustrated tomes epitomize the taste of the period. While it is worth noting that the French were superior to the English in this branch of animal art, neither provided more that the merest indications of ancillary detail, such as a portion of landscape or habitat. There was nothing to indicate a naturalistic or scenic surrounding for the subjects. In his 'encyclopedia', Wilkes pictures many different animals; each the charming results of imperfect knowledge. It is certain that most of his preserved specimens could never have looked like his illustrations. This is the result of poor and inaccurate renderings based on the actual animals in various states of decay due to a lack of proper preservation. However, what was sacrificed in accuracy was more than emphasized by the brilliant colors and sensational postures.
  • Creator:
    John Wilkes (1750 - 1810, English)
  • Creation Year:
    1801
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Clean, crisp image. Beautiful original colors. Framed to museum specifications using archival matting, backing, and hinging. Glazed with ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas.
  • Gallery Location:
    Florham Park, NJ
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 2015 07-15-151stDibs: LU652479112
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