Beautiful Humming-Birds hand-coloured engraving. Antique print c1848

by Goldsmith, Oliver

Stunning group of Humming Birds by Oliver Goldsmith c1848.

Original hand-coloured steel engraving of fine quality for Goldsmith’s A History of the Earth and Animated Nature, published in London c1848. Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) had intended to translate Pliny’s ‘Natural History’ but decided instead to compile his own work on all that was known about the planet and earth. The first 18th century edition of Goldsmith's ambitious eight volume work was published in London the year he died. In a very small format with each page crammed with masses of tiny illustrations, it was instantly popular as a pocket book.

With continuous demand over the ensuing years it was reissued many time, but in a larger format with beautiful hand-coloured illustrations. The format of the illustrations continuously improved with each issue. This illustration is from the finest series of all, published by A. Fullarton & Co. between 1848 and 1852. The work continued to carry Oliver goldsmith's name throughout its publication.

These beautiful hand-coloured engravings of groups of fauna and flora have always been enjoyed and framed. As usual, the edges of the paper are slightly worn and the paper is slightly age-discoloured - but in my opinion the brilliant quality of hand-colour is better-focussed as a result.

Size approximately 165 x 255mm (6.5 x 10 inches).