Lot 145
Artist Alexander Wilson (Scottish, 1766-1813); Engraver John G. Warnicke (d. 1818); from "American Ornithology", Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep, 1808-1814 CE. A finely delineated and hand colored engraving "Drawn from Nature by A. Wilson" (as stated on the lower left) and"Engraved by J.G. Warnicke" (as stated on the lower right) - presenting six ducks identified as "6. Red Duck. 2. Red breasted Merganser. 4. American Widgeon Male. 5. Female Snow Goose. 3. Blue Bill or Scamp Duck and Hooded or Crested Merganser." - this text beneath the image. The ducks are swimming in a body of water, some perched upon outcroppings, the shoreline visible to the left and right. A fine and significant print from the first American ornithology. Custom matted and framed under glass. Size: print measures 9.75" L x 13" W (24.8 cm x 33 cm); 16" L x 19.125" W (40.6 cm x 48.6 cm) framed
Alexander Wilson is generally regarded as the father of American ornithology, because of his "American Ornithology" - the first natural history that focused solely on American birds. It was issued from 1808 to 1814 predating Audubon by approximately two decades. A Scottish immigrant, Wilson himself drew most of the birds in his ornithology; Alexander Lawson and John G. Warnicke did the engravings. Wilson's compositions usually feature multiple specimens on one plate as we see in this example. Although he did not achieve his ultimate goal of depicting every single avian species of North America, Wilson's oeuvre is a very respected contribution to the history of science. Many view him as the primary competitor, predecessor, and perhaps inspiration for Audubon.
Provenance: private S.S. collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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#129012
- Condition: Expected discoloration to paper commensurate with age, but generally very good. Framing excellent.
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