Known today as the Father of British Ornithology, George Edwards was a draftsman and naturalist who popularized the art of bird and animal illustrations throughout the 18th century. His main collections of etchings, which were bound as the volumes A Natural History of Uncommon Birds and Gleaning of Natural History, together comprise more than 600 animals and were the first works to delineate many of the featured species.
Edwards cultivated an interest in natural history while traveling around Europe, becoming particularly enamored with birds. Upon his return to the United Kingdom, in 1733, Irish physicist Hans Sloane, an acquaintance of British naturalists/illustrators Eleazar Albin and Mark Catesby, offered Edwards a librarian position at the Royal College of Physicians. The job granted him access to a large collection of works on natural history, which he explored enthusiastically.
With instruction from Catesby, Edwards learned etching and spent much of his time preparing plates and drawings for his books. While Edwards hand-colored his early editions, later works were colored in by other artists, like British artist Peter Paillou, allowing Edwards to focus on etching and writing.
George Edwards earned his reputation for both his illustrations and written descriptions of his subjects — widely acclaimed for their accuracy. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus cited Edwards’s texts when developing his major work, Systema Naturæ. The Royal Society in London awarded Edwards the Copley Medal in 1750 for outstanding achievement in the field of science. Edwards retired in 1763 to Plaistow, England, and died in 1773.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of George Edwards engravings and wall decorations.
Set of Twelve 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural Hi...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
$22,500
George Edwards : A Set of Twelve 18th Century Etchings of Hummingbirds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Etching
Set of Twelve 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Ducks And Wading Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
George Edwards, Engravings of Parrots, published by Seligmann.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED PRINT "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origina...
Watercolor, Etching
$950
H 14.5 in W 11.75 in
"Rook", Framed Watercolor of Black Bird with Outstretched Wings
By Christina Mrozik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Rook" is original artwork by Christina Mrozik and is made of watercolor on paper, and measures 14.5"h × 11.75"w framed. It is signed en verso by the artist. Chris...
Paper, Watercolor, Acrylic
$800
H 14.5 in W 19.75 in
Studio 54 - Bananarama - Gyotaku Style Sumi Ink Painting of an Octopus
By Jeff Conroy
Located in Chicago, IL
A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extra...
Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper, Color Pencil
$975
H 12.5 in W 18.25 in
Lemon Meringue - Gyotaku Style Sumi Ink Painting of a Multi-Colored Octopus
By Jeff Conroy
Located in Chicago, IL
A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extraordinary dimensionality. By printing it on Mulberry paper, which mimics the swirl of water, the artist achieves a beautiful aesthetic. The artwork is matted and framed in a simple white wooden frame measuring 18.25h x 24.25w x 1d inches. Jeff Conroy Lemon Meringue sumi ink and colored pencil on mulberry paper 12.50h x 18.25w in 31.75h x 46.35w cm JEC118 Gyotaku - A Japanese word translated from "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning stone impression and is believed to get its inspiration from Chinese stone rubbings...
Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper, Color Pencil
$750
H 9.19 in W 11.19 in
The Fossane (Malagasy Civet) /// Peter Brown African Big Cat Tiger Hand-Colored
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Peter Brown (English, Active: c.1758-1799) Title: "The Fossane (Malagasy Civet)" (Plate XLIII - 43) Portfolio: New Illustrations of Zoology, Containing Fifty Coloured Plates ...
Watercolor, Laid Paper, Intaglio, Engraving
$3,200
H 13 in W 17 in
"Highway 101", Surreal Redwood Highway Panting with Orcas and Car
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Highway 101" is an original artwork by Chris Austin and is made of gouache on wood. It measures 13"h x 17"w framed and is signed en verso by the artist. Chris Aus...
Wood, Gouache
$600
H 8.63 in W 10.57 in
The Hoopoe /// William Hayes English Ornithology Hand-Colored Engraving Bird Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: William Hayes (English, 1735-1802) Title: "The Hoopoe" (Vol. II, Plate 65) Portfolio: Portraits of Rare and Curious Birds, with their Descriptions, from the Menagery of Oster...
Intaglio, Engraving, Watercolor
$975
H 15 in W 21 in
Goldilocks, Pastel - Gyotaku Style Sumi Ink Painting of an Octopus
By Jeff Conroy
Located in Chicago, IL
A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyotaku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pe...
Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper, Color Pencil
$1,600
H 17.5 in W 17.5 in
"Nesting", Botanical Watercolor of Opossums in a Nest with Strawberries
By Christina Mrozik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Nesting" is an original artwork by Christina Mrozik and is made of watercolor on paper, and measures 17.5"h × 17.5"w framed. It is signed en verso by the artist. ...
Paper, Watercolor
$5,300
H 12.88 in W 9.63 in
Thistle and Moths, plate no. 6, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, Plate No. 6; Thistle and Moths. The Netherlands: 1705. Engraving with hand coloring in w...
Watercolor, Engraving
$2,581
H 36.23 in W 48.04 in D 0.04 in
I Won't Eat You, limited edition print, yellow lion , wild cat , Kate Boxer
By Kate Boxer
Located in Deddington, GB
I Won't Eat You by Kate Boxer is a limited edition drypoint etching. This contemporary art print with gouache depicts a lion and is a humorous work of art by Kate Boxer. Kate Boxer m...
Drypoint, Gouache
$12,000
H 40 in W 60 in
"Refugees" contemporary surrealist painting moose, wolverine, beaver on sailboat
By Thomas Broadbent
Located in New York, NY
40"x60" large scale watercolor on paper, featuring a moose, beaver, wolverine, cardinal and raven on a distressed sailboat, whose sail is mended with colorful blue checkered and red polka dot quilted fabric. A telescope stands...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
$1,800
H 25 in W 36.5 in
Creeping Blue Ring - Gyotaku Style Sumi Ink Painting of an Octopus
By Jeff Conroy
Located in Chicago, IL
A small octopus is inked in the Japanese style of Gyo-Taku print making. Using sumi ink to "print" the octopus, the artist then embellishes it with colored pencil to convey an extra...
Sumi Ink, Watercolor, Mulberry Paper, Color Pencil
Red fish
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
$284
H 11.34 in W 9.18 in
Bird and Beetle - Etching and watercolor (Natural History of Birds, 1741)
By George Edwards
Located in Paris, IDF
George EDWARDS Bird and beetle ('The Gowry Bird') Original engraving, enhanced with watercolor Printed signature in the plate Dated, 1741 28.8 x 23.3 cm Created for Volume I of the...
Engraving, Watercolor
A Standing Leap at a Gate
By James Seymour
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
James Seymour (1702-1752) A Standing Leap at a Gate Mezzotint with hand colouring Image size 10 x 14 in Framed size 16 1/2 x 20 in James Seymour was an English artist renowned for h...
Mezzotint
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving
Sold
H 19.5 in W 16.5 in
George Edwards, Engravings of Birds, published by Seligmann, 1770.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
Price is per each framed print. "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origin...
Watercolor, Engraving
Sold
H 19.5 in W 16.5 in
George Edwards, Engravings of Birds, published by Seligmann, 1770.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
Price is per each framed print. "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origin...
Watercolor, Engraving
Sold
H 19.5 in W 16.5 in
George Edwards, Engravings of Birds, published by Seligmann, 1770.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
Price is per each framed print. "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origin...
Watercolor, Engraving
Sold
H 19.5 in W 16.5 in
George Edwards, Engravings of Birds, published by Seligmann, 1770.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
Price is per each framed print. "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origin...
Watercolor, Engraving
Sold
H 19.5 in W 16.5 in
George Edwards, Engravings of Birds, published by Seligmann, 1770.
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
Price is per each framed print. "Sammlung Verschiedenr Auslandischer und Selener Vogel", Nuremberg 1770-1773. Edited by Johann Michael Seligmann (1749 -1776): engravings with origin...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving
George Edwards: 18th Century Engravings of Birds
By George Edwards
Located in Richmond, GB
George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...
Watercolor, Engraving