A General History of Quadrupeds

Artist Thomas Bewick (British, 1753-1828)

Publisher S. Hodgson, R. Beilby, & T. Bewick, Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1790 (1st edition)

Printer S. Hodgson, R. Beilby. and T. Bewick, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Author Ralph Beilby (British, 1744-1817)

Place of OriginLondon, England

Date1790

Dimensionsbook: 8 5/8 x 5 1/4 in. (219 x 133mm)
page: 8 1/4 x 5 in. (209 x 127mm)

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1923.3150

Not on View

Label TextThis book launched Bewick's printmaking innovation of wood engraving, whereby the artist engraved "white lines" on the end grain of durable hardwood blocks with a burin (as opposed to the earlier woodcut technique of cutting on the long grain side with a knife). His miniature prints of animals had some of the detail, delicacy and subtlety previously possible only in metal engravings, but without the difficulty and cost of metal engraving. Bewick's technique proved to be a sturdy and practical method for printed illustration, and it's use became widespread in the nineteenth century prior to the invention of photomechanical processes.