Manati, Walrus, Ursine Seal engraving. Antique print c1822

by Davenport, Samuel

Antique print of Manatee, Walrus and Seal c1822.

Charming original steel engraving c1822 by Samuel Davenport (1783-1867) for “A History of the Earth and Animated Nature” published in London by Thomas Tegg (1776-1845). By Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), this popular work was first published in 1774 with many very small uncoloured copperplate engravings to each page of illustrations. With enlarged illustrations, this work was updated and reissued. It became very popular - mainly for the illustrations - and was published more than twenty times.  This engraving has later colour, but many later editions were published with contemporary colour (of the date when published). Davenport was one of the first illustrators to  engrave on steel.

To engraved border measure 160 x 93mm (9.3/8 x 5.1/4 inches).