Within Australia
All orders ship freewithin Australia
Rest of the World
Orders over A$300
ship free worldwide
C1841
Echidna Hystrix. Native of New South Wales.
C19th engraving of an echidna, from The Naturalist’s Library. This series of engravings of Australian mammals, predates Gould’s epic work done in 1863. This is the first issue with fine original hand colouring. The first sighting and drawing of an Echidna was … Read Full Description
Sold
Free Shipping
See Shipping page for Terms & Conditions
Details
Full Title:
Echidna Hystrix. Native of New South Wales.
Date:
C1841
Condition:
In good condition
Technique:
Copper engraving with original hand colouring.
Image Size:
155mm
x 95mm
AUTHENTICITY
Genuine antique
dated:
1841
Description:
C19th engraving of an echidna, from The Naturalist’s Library. This series of engravings of Australian mammals, predates Gould’s epic work done in 1863. This is the first issue with fine original hand colouring.
The first sighting and drawing of an Echidna was made on 9th February, 1792 by George Tobin, who had been third lieutenant on Bligh’s second voyage at Adventure Bay. “The only animals seen, were the Kangaroo, and a kind of sloth about the size of a roasting pig with a proboscis two of three inches in length.”
By July 1792 George Shaw had provided the first scientific description and included it among the giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga, of South America. Several other names were proposed and found to be invalid before Illger coined the name Tachyglossus in 1811.
Modern common names Short-beaked Echidna, Echidna, Spiny Anteater or Porcupine.
Modern binomial name Tachyglossus aculeatus
First described Shaw 1792
Distribution Australia wide (mainland).
Reference The Mammals of Australia, Strahan, 2nd edition. Page: 39-43, ill. 30-31, 39-43
William Home Lizars (1788 - 1859)
William Home Lizars (1788-1859) Lizars was born at Edinburgh in 1788. He was an artist and engraver, the son of Daniel Lizars, and brother of the surgeon John Lizars. His sister Jean (Jane) Home married Sir William Jardine. His father was a publisher and an engraver and Lizars was apprenticed to his father. He furthered his studies at the Trustees' Academy, Edinburgh. Lizars took over his fathers business on his death. Lizars met J. J. Audubon in Edinburgh in October 1826 and agreed to publish Audubon's, Birds of America. Lizars perfected a method of etching which performed the functions of wood-engraving, for illustration of books. He died in Edinburgh on 30 March 1859, leaving a widow and family. Lizars took an active part in the foundation of the Royal Scottish Academy.
