Ibbetson, Julius Caesar “Polar Bear”

Julius Caesar Ibbetson.  “Polar Bear.”  From John Church, A Cabinet of Quadrupeds .... 

London: Darton and Harvey, 1805.  Quarto.  Engraving by James Tookey.  Hand coloring.  Fine condition. With accompanying text.

An attractive print of two species of small carnivores from a lovely early nineteenth-century natural history.  This comprehensive rendering of mammals, from dogs and cats to elephants and bears, is an excellent example of natural history illustration in its heyday.  The animals are shown in action and in their natural settings. Accompanying descriptions provide up-to-date scientific information and classifications.  A charming and sympathetic portrait of the animal kingdom, as well as an important moment in the history of natural science.