SCHOMBURGK, Sir Robert Herman (1804-1865)

Purumama / The Great Cataract of the River Parima

London: Ackermann & Co., 1840. Hand-coloured lithograph after Charles Bentley. Very good condition apart from some overall light soiling. Image size (including text): 11 3/8 x 16 1/8 inches. Sheet size: 13 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches.

A magnificent view from Schomburgk's "Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana."

This stunning print is from a series of views of Guiana by Charles Bentley, executed as illustrations for Robert Schomburgk's magnificent work on the region. Considered one of the greatest explorers of his day, Schomburgk's discoveries uncovered a wealth of new species that remain some of our most fascinating and beautiful plants. His contributions to the exploration of Guiana will forever be remembered. Schomburgk's career began when he undertook a trip to study the terrain and plant life of British Guiana under the direction of the Royal Geographical Society. This famous exploration uncovered many new species of orchids and brought to the English shores the celebrated giant water lilies known as Victoria regia and Elizabetha regia. He successfully mapped a division line between British Guiana and Venezuela, which would later come to be known as the Schomburgk line. Following innumerable other geographical and botanical explorations, Schomburgk was appointed British consul at Santo Domingo and later at Bangkok. His work changed the field of geographical study and brought a greater understanding of those far off lands to an eager English public. Bentley's beautiful views perfectly illustrate Schomburgk's insightful observations and fascinating discoveries.

Cf. Abbey Travel 720; cf. Tooley 447; cf. Sabin 77796.

Item #8883

Price: $1,500.00