Great Indes Crane SGE89 $195
The prints measure approximately 10 3/4 inches wide by 17 inches long.
The ample margins have been cropped from the photographs.

We are delighted to offer a selection of bird prints from the increasingly rare & treasured A Natural History of Uncommon Birds (1743-1751) and Gleaning of Natural History (1758-1764) by George Edwards. Initially published as two separate works, they are now considered as one, with 362 plates in all, with 318 of birds & the balance of various mammals, fish & insects. It was heralded as the most important of all Bird Books, both from an artistic and an ornithological perspective, and time has certainly not dimmed either its luster or appeal. 

George Edwards was an English draughtsman and a skilled observer of birds and one of the most prominent ornithologists of his day. He worked as Librarian to the Royal College of Physicians, where he was later elected a fellow, and was honored with the Gold Medal of the Royal Society. As the Librarian to the Royal College of Physicians, he oversaw a library of 8,000 volumes. The small honorarium he received for this post liberated him to pursue his ornithological studies and drawings. He died in West Ham, which was also his birthplace, in 1773.

Natural History and Gleanings was illustrated for the first time many foreign species often drawn from live specimens held in captivity in London. Edwards etched his own plates and then hand colored several copies before supervising others in the coloring. The result is a work of superb skill and breathtaking color that remains ever popular and is now increasingly rare. Such was the impact of Natural History and Gleanings, that Edwards is considered to have almost single-handedly popularized the art of bird and animal illustration, and is thus known as “The Father of British Ornithology.”

(References include: Fine Bird Books 1700-1900, pg. 93 and Dictionary of Bird Artists of the World, pg. 232) 

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

(References include Fine Bird Books, p.93, Dictionary of Bird Artist p.431, Nissen, IVB 859, Nissen, SVB 455.)

It is from this 1749 Seligmann first edition of the Edwards prints that we are pleased to present these plates in excellent condition. There is little to no foxing on the plates and the strong chain lined watermarked paper is a beautiful light creamy colour. The ORIGINAL hand coloring is very vibrant & the paper has a rare, silky quality to it. Each print is folio in size, measuring approximately 10 3/4 inches by 17 inches with unusually ample margins, not entirely shown in the images.   On some margins, there may be a sprinkling of foxing close to the outer edge.   Each print is accompanied by facsimile copies of the beautiful title page and the descriptive text. This work is 250 years old and it is rare indeed to find these very scarce prints in such wonderful condition.  

We accept credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $9.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK or email panteek@aol.com