Edward Donovan Fish Print 1802 Dog Fish

Picked Shark or Dog Fish
9 1/2 by 5 3/4 inches
DVF82 $35

We are currently offering a selection of prints from Edward Donovan's great work on fishes, published in 1802-1808. These are prized for the artistry and composition of each print, and the beauty and intensity of the fine hand coloring. These fish prints are particularly renowned for the lavish use of genuine silver & gold, which makes the fish shimmer with that very iridescent quality of a fish just caught. This effect is not visible in the photos, alas, but buyers can be sure that the silver paint has been used on any silver or gray fish. Each single print measures approximately 9 1/2 inches wide by 5 3/4 inches long.

Little is known about Edward Donovan, except that he was a Fellow of the Linnaean Society and spent his fortune on producing lavishly executed natural history works including British birds and the insects of India and China. Sadly, he died a pauper.

The condition of these prints is good to excellent, depending on the print. There is little or no foxing, with characteristic strong plate marks on soft white to creamy paper. All our prints are authentic hand colored antique prints, and the Donovans are about 220 years old.