Casuarius Australis. Casuarius Galeatus. Australian Emu and Cassowary c1808.

by Shaw, George

Lovely antique print. Australian Cassowary and Emu face-off.

Original copperplate engraving c1808 (later hand-colour), drawn and engraved by Eastgate for General Zoology, or, Systematic Natural History, by George Shaw, M.D.F.R.S.&c. "Plates from the first Authorities and most select specimens". Published by George Kearsley, Fleet Street, London between 1800 and 1825. Shaw was a prolific publisher of natural history subjects, compiled from the discoveries of explorers and naturalists around the world - particularly from the new discoveries in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, supplemented by the natural history collections of the British Museum.

After graduating from Oxford University in 1772, and further studying in Edinburgh, George Shaw (1751-1813) qualified as a doctor of medicine, began working in the medical profession in London, but changed careers in 1786 to become assistant lecturer in Botany at Oxford University. In 1788 George Shaw was a co-founder of the Linnean Society, and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1789. He was appointed assistant-keeper of the zoological department of the British Museum in 1791, and then keeper - a position he retained until he died.

235 x 155 mm (13.1/4 x 6.1/4 inches), this page has slight offsetting of print from adjacent page, and a little soiling. It is still a lovely image. The price has been adjusted accordingly.

 

 

 

Stock Number: apAu.cas71Price: $60.00