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Mark Catesby Decorative Art

English, 1682-1749
Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist. Between 1729 and 1747 Catesby published his Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, the first published account of the flora and fauna of North America. It included 220 plates of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and plants. Mark Catesby's The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands is generally credited as the first published work to provide illustrations and descriptions of North American flora and fauna. From 1722-1726 Catesby, an English naturalist, ranged over South Carolina, Georgia and the Bahamas sketching and collecting specimens of native plants and animals. Little is known of Catesby's early life. He was born in eastern England in 1683. Although Catesby does not appear to have attended university or studied for the Bar, he was sufficiently educated to write clear English and Latin. His interest in and knowledge of plants may have derived from his uncle, who maintained a botanical garden. Catesby also appears to have benefited from an acquaintance with John Ray, a leading English naturalist of the 17th century and the co-author of an early classic study of birds. It is unclear when or how Catesby developed his skills as an artist. Catesby's first visit to North America occurred in 1712 when he traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia, to live with his sister and her husband, who had settled there. During his seven-year stay, he explored the length of the James River sketching plants and collecting botanical samples. Upon Catesby's return to England in 1719, his work in Virginia drew the attention of several influential members of the Royal Society. And with their financial backing, Catesby returned to North America three years later, arriving in Charleston in May 1722. During his four-year stay, he traveled throughout South Carolina, coastal Georgia and to the Bahamas. The sketches and specimens Catesby gathered during his second North American trip formed the basis for The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. Although most often found as a two-volume set, Catesby's Natural History was published in 11 discrete sections from 1734-1747 and sold by subscription. Although Catesby died in 1749, his work was republished in 1754 and again in 1771. Catesby's work predated the classification system developed by Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus. However, the 1771 edition, featured here, includes a catalog of the Linnean names for the plants and animals Catesby featured in Natural History.
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Creator: Mark Catesby
Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis 'the Ilathera Duck' Chrysanthemum &C T93
Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis 'the Ilathera Duck' Chrysanthemum &C T93

Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis 'the Ilathera Duck' Chrysanthemum &C T93

$412Sale Price|25% Off

Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis 'the Ilathera Duck' Chrysanthemum &C T93

By Mark Catesby

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis (The Ilathera Duck) Chrysanthemum &c T93. Wonderful print by the “Founder of American Ornithology”, Mark Catesby, from his 18th century monumental Natural History, the first natural history of American flora and fauna. A later small edition etching original hand coloring. Plate imprint on the paper. Later frame, back unopened. This is one of the finest natural science prints...

Category

18th Century American Other Antique Mark Catesby Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Paper

18th Century Framed Engravings by Mark Catesby, Set of Two Birds
18th Century Framed Engravings by Mark Catesby, Set of Two Birds

18th Century Framed Engravings by Mark Catesby, Set of Two Birds

$2,550 / set

18th Century Framed Engravings by Mark Catesby, Set of Two Birds

By Mark Catesby

Located in Bradenton, FL

Mark Catesby (British, 1683-1749) Framed Engravings, Set of Two. These 18th Century engravings originated from Catesby's publication, 'The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and t...

Category

18th Century British Other Antique Mark Catesby Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Mark Catesby Engraving, "The Hogfish and The Shad"
Mark Catesby Engraving, "The Hogfish and The Shad"

Mark Catesby Engraving, "The Hogfish and The Shad"

$975

Mark Catesby Engraving, "The Hogfish and The Shad"

By Mark Catesby

Located in Bradenton, FL

Mark Catesby (British, 1683-1749) Engraving of "The Hogfish and The Shad". Catesby was a highly celebrated naturalist and artist of the period. His hand-colored engravings are admire...

Category

18th Century British Other Antique Mark Catesby Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Mark Catesby Engraving, "Puddingwife Wrasse and Carolina Whiting Fish"
Mark Catesby Engraving, "Puddingwife Wrasse and Carolina Whiting Fish"

Mark Catesby Engraving, "Puddingwife Wrasse and Carolina Whiting Fish"

$1,250

Mark Catesby Engraving, "Puddingwife Wrasse and Carolina Whiting Fish"

By Mark Catesby

Located in Bradenton, FL

Mark Catesby (British, 1683-1749) Engraving of a Puddingwife Wrasse and a Carolina Whiting Fish. Catesby was a highly celebrated naturalist and artist of the period. His hand-colored...

Category

18th Century British Other Antique Mark Catesby Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

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Mark Catesby decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Mark Catesby decorative art are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Mark Catesby decorative art, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Mark Catesby decorative art can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $550 and can go as high as $550, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $550.