CATESBY, Mark (1683-1749)

Anas Americanus Lato Rostro

[Pl. 96, Vol. I] London: printed for Benjamin White, 1771 [Third edition]. Hand-coloured copper engraving, on fine laid paper. Very good condition. Uneven left edge. Maringal rippling in right margin. Sheet size: 20 x 14 inches. Plate mark: 13 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches.

A fine image from Catesby's "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands," "the most famous colour-plate book of American plant and animal life...a fundamental and original work for the study of American species" (Hunt).

Also known as the spoonbill, the northern shoveler is commonly found in the Virginia and the Carolinas during the winter season. The shape of their distinct spatula-like bill enables them to feed on small aquatic animals and plants both on top of and below the water's surface. In his accompanying text, Catesby observes that "[i]ts bill is three inches long, coal black (though this is of a reddish brown, spotted with black) much broader toward the tip than at the base, excavated like a buckler, of a round circumference. At the end it hath a small crooked hook or nail; each mandible is pectinated or toothed like a comb, with rays or thin plates inserted mutually one into another, when the bill is shut..." (Feduccia, Catesby's Birds of Colonial America (1985), p. 55-6) Trained as a botanist, Catesby travelled to Virginia in 1712 and remained there for seven years, sending back to England collections of plants and seeds. With the encouragement of Sir Hans Sloane and others, Catesby returned to America in 1722 to seek materials for his "Natural History"; he travelled extensively in the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and the Bahamas, sending back further specimens. His preface provides a lengthy account of the development of this work, including his decision to study with Joseph Goupy in order to learn to etch his plates himself, to ensure accuracy and economy. A lovely and important work, embodying the most impressive record made during the colonial period of the natural history of an American colony. The most significant work of American natural history before Audubon's "The Birds of America".

Cf. Anker 95; cf. Clark I:55; cf. Dunthorne 72; cf. Fine Bird Books (1990), p. 86; cf. Great Flower Books (1990), p.85; cf. Meisel III:340; cf. Nissen BBI 336, IVB 177; cf. Sabin 11509; cf. Stafleu & Cowan TL2 1057; cf. Wood, p. 282; cf. Amy Meyers and Margaret Pritchard, Empire's Nature, Mark Catesby's New World Vision, Williamsburg, 1998.

Item #8037

Price: $1,000.00