Unattributed. “Natives of California.”

Unattributed.  “Natives of California.”  From James C. Prichard's The Natural History of Man.

London: Hippolyte Balliere, [1844]. Octavo (9 1/2" x 5 1/2" full sheet).  Etching.  Original hand color.  Some with paper time toned and edge stains. Overall, very good condition. 

A print from a wonderful series of Native Americans from James C. Prichard’s fascinating Natural History of Man.  Prichard began the research for his study in 1813, intending to establish that the human race originally was dark-skinned.  He modified this view over the years, but still concluding that the human race was all one species, one family.  By the final edition of his work, issued in 1847, Prichard had gathered all available research about various races of humankind, and his work became an important foundation for modern ethnological science.  Included in his History were fine portraits of different human races based on original drawings of various artists.  With their accurate detail, fine original hand color, and significant place in the history of the study of humankind, these are most desirable prints.