William Home Lizars Natural History Engraving Of A Capybara

Edinburgh, 1823; Circa 1823 hand colored copper engraving of the South American Capybara (Hydrochaerus capibara. Erxleben), world’s largest rodent, which reaches a mature size of up to four feet in length and three in girth and inhabits the banks of lakes and rivers, where it is distinguished for the webbed feet which make it an agile swimmer, and for its remarkable ability to submerge itself for long periods of time without resurfacing. Drawn by Alexander Mosses (1793-1837), who with no formal training developed into an acknowledged master draughtsman and painter of nature scenes, genre pieces, and portraiture, his subjects ranging from members of the privileged classes to common people. His portrait of prominent physician John Rutter hangs in the Royal Institution, Liverpoole, and his work is in the permanent collections of both the Walker Art Gallery and the National Galleries Of Scotland. Engraved by William Home Lizars (1788-1859), renowned not only for his art, but for being instrumental in launching the career of John James Audubon after the two met in Edinburgh in 1826. It was Lizars who engraved the first ten plates for "The Birds Of America." Printed on watermarked Whatman paper dated 1823. Sheet size 12" x 15 1/2". Archivally hinged and matted with 100% rag museum board in 16" x 20" size, ready for framing. Fine condition, clean, crisp, bright, all coloration vivid, no chips, creases, or tears. A rare and beautiful print.