Bilder William MacGillivray (1796-1852) – Studies of Polar, Brown, and Black Bears – Hand-coloured engraving (1839)

Beskrivning

"Ursus. Bears. Maritimus Polar B., Arctos Brown B. of Europe, Americanus Black B. of N. America". This work illustrates four bears representing three distinct species: a black bear at the top, a brown bear with its cub in the center, and a polar bear at the bottom standing near a coastline with a sailing ship in the distance. This hand-coloured engraving is a plate from the publication A History of the Earth and Animated Nature by Oliver Goldsmith, with scientific additions by MacGillivray, published in London and Edinburgh in 1839. The composition effectively compares the varying sizes, fur textures, and natural habitats of these large carnivores as understood by nineteenth-century naturalists.

William MacGillivray was a Scottish naturalist and ornithologist who served as the Conservator of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He was a close friend and collaborator of John James Audubon, providing much of the scientific text and anatomical descriptions for Audubon's Ornithological Biography. MacGillivray is known for his detailed anatomical studies of wildlife and his meticulous approach to taxonomy and natural history illustration. His major independent work, A History of British Birds, remains a classic of nineteenth-century scientific literature.

Artist or Maker:
William MacGillivray.

Dimensions:
Approximately 33 cm x 23 cm.

Medium:
Hand-coloured engraving.

Date:
1839.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.