C1853

The New-Holland Hedgehog [Echidna]

Colonial period engraving of an Echidna.  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 … Read Full Description

Sold

S/N: NHOTSS-001-ANI-AA–232987
(B009)
Free Shipping
The New-Holland Hedgehog [Echidna] Australian - General

Within Australia

All orders ship free
within Australia
The New-Holland Hedgehog [Echidna] Australian - General

Rest of the World

Orders over A$300
ship free worldwide

See Shipping page for Terms & Conditions

Details

Full Title:

The New-Holland Hedgehog [Echidna]

Date:

C1853

Artist:

Unknown

Condition:

In good condition.

Technique:

Colour printed engraving with one tint,

Image Size: 

137mm 
x 97mm

Paper Size: 

165mm 
x 122mm
AUTHENTICITY
The New-Holland Hedgehog [Echidna] - Antique Print from 1853

Genuine antique
dated:

1853

Description:

Colonial period engraving of an Echidna. 

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.

Common names Short-beaked Echidna, Echidna, Spiny Anteater or Porcupine.
Binomial name Tachyglossus aculeatus
First described Shaw 1792
Distribution Australia wide (mainland) 

From Bicknell’s, Natural History of the Sacred Scriptures, and Guide to General Zoology.

Biography:

Helena Forde (1832-1910) (nee Scott) and her sister Harriet Scott (1830-1907)

Were born in the Rocks area of Sydney to Harriet Calcott, daughter of an ex-convict, and Alexander Walter Scott, a wealthy man who would become known in the colony as an entomologist, grazier and entrepreneur. Helena and Harriet (known as the Scott sisters) were two of 19th century Australia’s most prominent natural history illustrators and possibly the first professional female illustrators in the country.

In 1846, Harriet and Helena, then aged 16 and 14, moved from Sydney to the isolated Ash Island in the Hunter River estuary with their mother, Harriet Calcott, and father, entomologist and entrepreneur Alexander Walker Scott.

There, surrounded by unspoilt native vegetation and under the inspiring tutelage of their artistic father, their shared fascination with the natural world grew. For almost 20 years, the sisters lived and worked on the island, faithfully recording its flora and fauna, especially the butterflies and moths.

The sisters continued to draw and paint commercially for the rest of their lives. Harriet drew botanical illustrations for the 1879, 1884 and 1886 editions of the Railway Guide to New South Wales, and they both executed designs for Australia’s first Christmas cards in 1879. Harriet died at Granville NSW in 1907 and Helena in 1910. 
 
Reference; Australian Museum.
 

Choose currency

Exchange rates are only indicative. All orders will be processed in Australian dollars. The actual amount charged may vary depending on the exchange rate and conversion fees applied by your credit card issuer.

Account Login

The List

Join our exclusive mailing list for first access to new acquisitions and special offers.