Bison Americanus

Artist/Maker Marcus Catesby (England, 1682 - 1749)

Artist/Maker Johann Michael Seligmann (Germany, 1720 - 1762)

Date1776

MediumHand colored engraving

Dimensionssight: 14 3/4 × 8 5/8 in. (37.5 × 21.9 cm) frame: 22 1/8 × 16 1/8 in. (56.2 × 41 cm)

ClassificationsPrint

Credit LineThe Pierce Collection from Roy Pierce and Winnifred Poland Pierce, National Museum of Wildlife Art

Terms

Object numberW2001.167.005

DescriptionBison in lower center is dwarfed by the dominant sprig of acacia leaves and flowers. (Engraving is reduced in size from Catesby's authorized editions.) In 1749, German publisher Johann Michael Seligmann began to issue a nine-volume compilation of the work of renowned British naturalists Mark Catesby (1683-1749) and George Edwards (1694-1773). Over the next thirty years, the gradual release of these eagerly anticipated volumes brought vivid, charming images of New World birds to continental European audiences and made Seligmann a venerated name in natural history circles. The Antique Print Department, located on the newly remodeled main floor of Davidson Galleries, is proud to present an exhibition of original handcolored etchings from this series. From www.davidsongalleries.com

Status

Not on view