George Edwards was an Englishman who occupied the position of Librarian at the Royal College of Physicians in 1733, while pursuing his natural interest in Ornithology. Between 1742-1751, Edwards produced “A Natural History of Birds” also called “The Natural History of Uncommon Birds”, in 4 volumes. It was an instant success due in large part to his precise, detailed and accurate drawings. He was known to paint his birds several times over before engraving them on copper. The bird prints shown below are all from “A Natural History of Birds” and they are all perfect examples of George Edwards meticulous attention to detail in his drawings and are beautifully handcolored in watercolor. Each engraving includes a page of text on the birds portrayed, taken from the book.
 

G. EDWARDS “Verschiedene Resen Des Auctoris.” Nurnberg 1746. Colored. 10X8. This fascinating map was drawn by George Edwards (1694-1773), artist, naturalist & ornithologist, most famous for his beautiful bird engravings shown here on our webpage. The map was published in Edwards “Natural History of Birds” in London in 1746 and subsequently in French and German editions, published by J. M. Seligmann in Nurnberg. This particular map was published in the scarce German edition and shows Edwards' journeys between 1716-1730 throughout Holland in 1716, Norway in 1718, France from 1719-21 and Holland again in 1730, in order to study his beloved birds and other natural creatures to be found in those regions. In contrast, on this map of Great Britain and northwestern Europe, Edwards superimposed drawings of the large beak of an Egyptian Ibis, two Stag Beetles from Borneo and in the lower right corner, the Least Humming Bird from Jamaica with its egg, all drawn lifesize. (click on thumbnail image) Edwards interest in natural history was boundless and this wonderful map, with its curious combination of cartography and the natural world is a rare and very attractive curiosity. Reference. Rodney W. Shirley. “Printed Maps of the British Isles.” 1650-1750. Edwards. Page 55. ENGRAVED155 -  $1,500

“The Least Butcher Bird”
Signed in the plate 1745
Image size. 9½X7½
ENGRAVED136 -  $400

“The Little Indian Pye” and
“The Grand Squirrel”
Image size. 9½X½
ENGRAVED137 -  $400

“The Grey Redstart”
Signed in the plate 1741
Image size. 9½X7½
ENGRAVED138 -  $400

“The Green Black-Cap Fly Catcher” & “The Blue-Headed Green Flycatcher.” Signed in the plate 1742. Image size. 9½X7½.
ENGRAVED139 -  $400

“Architectural Engravings”
 

“Blenheim House. Built at the Expence of the Publick and Settled on the Duke of Marlborough and His Posterity.” London. 1725. Colored. 9½X15Ό. From Mr. Tyndal's Continuation of Rapin's History of England. Engraved by James Mynde (fl.1720-1760). Published by Paul Rapin de Thoyras (1661-1725) and Nicolas Tindal (1687-1770).
ENGRAVED162 - $425

Count Dahlberg was an army Field Marshall, an engineer and cartographer of Stockholm, Sweden. He was the author of a number of topographical works, including maps and plans for a famous account of the military exploits of King Gustav Adolphus II of Sweden by Samuel Pufendorf. (Ref. Antique Maps by Moreland & Bannister.) Note: the copper engravings below are from the “History of the Reign of Gustav Adolphus II.” 1696-99.)

“Curia in Suburbio. Australi Holmiae” Engraved by: W. Swidde. B/W. 8½X13. Holmiae. 1691 
ENGRAVED168 - $475

ARX REGIA HOLMENSIS. (The King's Castle at Stockholm.) Published. Stockholm & Paris. 1660-`1716. B/W. 9X14½; in mat. Engraved by Jean Marot for Count Erik Dahlberg's “Suecia Antiiqua et Hodierna.” Note: the Castle burned down in 1697 but the churches of St. James & St. Nicholas are still standing. A beautiful copper engraving decorated in top center with crowns, shields and ribbons.
ENGRAVED 169 - $475

SALOMON KLEINER (1703-1761)

“Vera Et Accurata Delineatio Omnium Temporum et Coenobitorum Quae Tam in Caesarem Urbe Ac Sede Vienna Austriae.” Vien, Augusburg. 1724-37. First edition of Kleiner's reknowned views of Vienna depicting churches, palaces, monasteries & great houses Etc.

PAUL DECKER (1677-1718)

 “Architura Civilis.....Erster Theil.” 1711-1716. Decker was one of the greatest exponents of German Baroque. He worked in Nurnberg where he became Architect in Chief of Salzbach in Bavaria, & later at the Court at Bayreuth.