3 fabulous Toucans antique print. Oliver Goldsmith, c1848.

by Goldsmith, Oliver

Goldsmith Toucan antique engraving with wonderful early colour.

Original hand-coloured steel engraving for Goldsmith’s A History of the Earth and Animated Nature, first published in London in 1774. This engraving was published by Fullarton & Company in 1848 with contemporary hand colour.

Starting to translate Pliny's 'Natural History', Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) proceeded to compile his own work on all that was known about planet earth. The first edition of his enormous work was published in London the year he died. With beautiful hand-coloured illustrations it was a popular publication and was re-issued many times over the following years. With striking images of beautifullly hand-coloured engravings of groups of fauna and flora against uncoloured backgrounds, it is notable for the distinctive illustrations.

As is usual when early prints have been frequently handled, there is slight soiling and the paper is age-discoloured. The image measures 145 x 225mm (5.3/4 x 8.7/8 inches). The margins are not generous.