Mantis strumaria and larva antique print. George Shaw c1805.

by Edward Heath

Superb Preying Mantis engraving by Edward Heath.

Original copperplate engraving by Edward Heath for General Zoology, or Systematic Natural History by George Shaw M.D., F.R.S. (1751-1813), published in London circa 1805 (later colour).

The son of Reverend Timothy Shaw, George was educated by his father until 1765, when he entered Magdalen College, Oxford (B.A.,1769. M.A.,1772). George Shaw was ordained as a Deacon in 1774 but left this profession to study medicine in Edinburgh for three years. He then returned to Oxford where he was deputy-lecturer in Botany. He was admitted to the degrees of M.B. and M.D. in 1787 and then practised as a doctor in London. In 1788 he joined the newly founded Linnean Society of London, and in 1789 was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. In 1791 Shaw was appointed to the natural history section of the British Museum. In 1807 he was appointed Keeper and retained that position until he died.

This wonderful print is currently half-framed, mounted between 'antique white' conservation ragmat, and cnvered for presentation and protection. Image size 205 x 125mm (approx 8 x 5 inches). External mount for frame window is 36 x 28cm (14 x 11 inches). (Available, print only. Size 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inches).