The Atherine. The Tobacco-Pipe Fish. The Remora. Australian fish c1790.

by Sarah Stone

Antique print of Southern Atherine, Atherina Australis (Anchovy, now Engraulis australis), Red Cornetfish, Fiftularia Tabacaria (now Fistularia petimba), Sucking fish, Remora Remora.

Original copperplate engraving after Sarah Stone for Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales by Surgeon-General to the First Fleet and Settlement, John White. A capable amateur naturalist, White compiled information on the colony's flora and fauna and it was published ifor publication in London c1790.

The daughter of a professional fan painter, Sarah Stone (1760-1844) married naval officer John Langland Smith in 1789. The "celebrated Miss Stone" worked as a natural history illustrator in England between 1777 and 1820. Prominent 18th century collectors, including Sir Joseph Banks and Sir Ashton Lever, commissioned her to prepare watercoloured drawings of animals and birds, from skins, specimens, artifacts and drawings that were sent to England from early voyages of exploration. Sarah Stone illustrations were often the first to be seen of new discoveries from around the world.

A copy of the accompanying letterpress is available. Page margins of this engraving are rather soiled - as is to be expected after 235 years. Size: 285 x 215mm approx. (11.1/4 inches x 8.1/2 inches)