Sword Fish, Opah, Dragonet, John Dory fish engraving c1822.

by Tegg, Thomas/William

Small antique print of a group of spectacular fish c1822. Sword Fish, Opah, Dragonet, John Doree (sic.)

Original steel engraving by Samuel Davenport (1783-1867) for “A History of the Earth and Animated Nature” by Oliver Goldsmith (1728-74), first published in 1774. This work aimed to bring together all that was known about the planet, earth, plants, animals and human inhabitants. It proved to be so popular that it was reissued with updates more than twenty times. This edition was published in London, circa 1822 by Thomas Tegg (1776-1845). Davenport was one of the first illustrators to engrave on steel.

This fine engraving has later hand-colour, which adds to its appeal. Page size 21 x 13 cm (8.25 x 5 inches). Image size approx 9.5 x 16 cm (3.75 x 6.25 inches)