Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9984
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‘The Grey Water-wagtail, and the Water-Lizard’
Date
1757
Creator
George Edwards (1694 - 1773, British) , Ornithologist
Object type
Library reference
38029
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 286mm
width (print): 220mm
width (print): 220mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Study of the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea in the act of catching an insect. The bird is posed on a rock surrounded by water and with plants. A newt swims in the water below.
Plate 259 from chapter 49 of Gleanings of natural history, exhibiting figures of quadrupeds, birds, insects, plants, &c..., by George Edwards, volume 1 (London, for the author, 1758). The author describes his subjects within the text: “The print represents this bird of its natural size...This is the cock bird, and hath not till now been figured or described: it was shot near London and given to me to draw...The Water Lizard...is drawn from nature, of the size of life. I believe it is found in England, having bought it in spirits at an auction of the late Mrs. Kennon’s curiosities.”
The plate is inscribed: “The Grey Water-Wagtail and the Water Lizard, Drawn from Nature bignes of Life. G. Edwards delin et Sculp. AD 1757.”
Plate 259 from chapter 49 of Gleanings of natural history, exhibiting figures of quadrupeds, birds, insects, plants, &c..., by George Edwards, volume 1 (London, for the author, 1758). The author describes his subjects within the text: “The print represents this bird of its natural size...This is the cock bird, and hath not till now been figured or described: it was shot near London and given to me to draw...The Water Lizard...is drawn from nature, of the size of life. I believe it is found in England, having bought it in spirits at an auction of the late Mrs. Kennon’s curiosities.”
The plate is inscribed: “The Grey Water-Wagtail and the Water Lizard, Drawn from Nature bignes of Life. G. Edwards delin et Sculp. AD 1757.”
Associated place