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Edward Donovan
Mackarel, Spanish Mackarel

1802

About the Item

Edward Donovan (1768-1837) The Natural History of British Fishes London, 1802-1808 Engravings with Original Hand-Coloring Born in Ireland, Donovan’s interests were both as a collector and an illustrator. He was invited to become a Fellow of the Linneas Society and the Wernerian Natural History Society. Both his wealth and his social stature gave him access to many of the collections of very famous scientists including Sir Joseph Banks. Eventually Donovan would open his own private museum, the London Museum and Institute of Natural History. Publishing an illustrated work on fish was not an idle pastime for Donovan. He did more than merely oversee it. His was a ‘hands on’ approach with involvement in the drawing, engraving and hand-coloring. The finest paper, Whatman, was used as were exquisite pigments including the occasional use of silver leaf. This fine work, although small in stature, remains one of the most sought after for its extremely accurate and enjoyable illustrations. They truly represent one man’s intense obsession with natural history.
  • Creator:
    Edward Donovan (1768 - 1837, Irish)
  • Creation Year:
    1802
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 27.25 in (69.22 cm)Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Clean, crisp image. Beautiful original hand-coloring. Framed to museum specifications using archival matting, backing, and hinging. Double matting.. Glazed with ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas.
  • Gallery Location:
    Florham Park, NJ
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 2016 09.014.161stDibs: LU6521219093
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