1749 American Teal, George Edwards, Catesby, Seligmann; Folio

The White-Face Teal

Querquedula Americana Variegata

Between 1749-1776, Johann Michael Seligmann, a German engraver, re-engraved the plates of Catesby, as well as many works of George Edwards for the "Sammlung Verschiedener Auslandischer un Seltener Vogel" published in Nürnberg. 

In some cases, botanical and scenic backgrounds have been added for a stunning decorative effect.

23.5 x  35 cm.

Mark Catesby (1683-1749) was an Englishman of prosperous background who became known as the father of American Ornithology. His rare and beautiful work The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and Bahama islands 1748-1754 was published in London in two folio volumes of 11 parts each consisting of 20 plates, at a cost of two guineas a part. It was the first work to depict the flora & fauna of the new world. Catesby based this monumental work on his two lengthy sojourns in America, first from 1712-1719, staying with his sister Elizabeth & her husband Dr. William Cockle in Williamsburg, Virginia. The second visit was from 1722 to 1726. He returned to London equipped with a huge number of specimens from which he created the illustrations for this work. It took him 20 years to complete and as his funds were short he etched his own plates and even hand colored the first of the two volumes. The illustrations have an exuberance & expansiveness which has made them among the most beautiful and best loved prints of all times. 

In 1749-1776, Johann Michael Seligmann, a German engraver re-engraved these Catesby plates, as well as many by George Edwards for the "Sammlung Verschiedener Auslandischer un Seltener Vogel" published in Nurenberg. In some cases, botanical and scenic backgrounds were added for superb decorative effect.