Original antique bird print of the Brasilian Saw-Billed Roller, Guira Guainumbi. Published by by George Edwards, circa 1760.
George Edwards FRS (3 April 1694 – 23 July 1773) was an English naturalist and ornithologist, known as the "father of British ornithology". Edwards began studying natural history, especially birds, after an unsuccessful career as a businessman, ‘applying himself to drawing and colouring such animals as fell under his notice’, including foreign specimens brought into the Port of London by ship. Edwards’ chief aim was to ‘achieve a natural and accurate portrayal’, though often from stuffed specimens; with no clear idea of suitable backgrounds he would perch smaller birds on a lichen...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Prints