18th c. Coral on vellum

Rare engraving on vellum from George Shaw & Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany, dated 1789.

Vellum has a longer shelf life than paper (up to 5000 years) and was used for important documents, but was typically more costly to use. The Naturalist's Miscellany was a monumental 24-volume work, known for its wide range of birds, reptiles, insects, quadrupeds, sea life, and botanicals. Highly sought after by collectors for their extremely decorative and whimsical nature. George Shaw authored the work, providing details for the over 1000 species described therein.

Paired with a rare vintage dark brown/green velvet on wood frame, professionally framed. Wire hand. 

Measures 8.5x10.5"