Oliver Goldsmith beautiful antique print of Hummingbirds c1850.

by Goldsmith, Oliver

Stunning group of Humming Birds by Oliver Goldsmith c1850.

Original fine hand-coloured steel engraving for Goldsmith’s A History of the Earth and Animated Nature, published in London between 1848 and 1852. Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) had intended to translate Pliny’s ‘Natural History’ but instead decided to try to compile all that was known about the planet and earth. The first ambitious eight volume work was published for Goldsmith in London the year he died. In a very small format with each page crammed with tiny engraved illustrations, it became 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 quality of the illustrations improved with each updated issue. This illustration is from the finest series, that was published by A. Fullarton & Co. between 1848 and 1852. The work continued to carry Oliver Goldsmith's name throughout its publication.

Eminently decorative, these beautiful hand-coloured engravings of groups of fauna and flora have always been coveted and framed. As usual, the paper is slightly age-discoloured - but in my opinion the brilliant but delicate hand-colour highlights the fauna better with the slightly darker background.

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