Mark Catesby (British, 1683-1749) Framed Engravings, Set of Two. These 18th Century engravings originated from Catesby's publication, 'The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands'. These were produced after the original 1728-1747 publication containing 220 hand-colored engravings depicting birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, insects, flowering plants and botanical specimens. Catesby was a highly celebrated English naturalist, artist and explorer whose work represents one of the earliest systematic studies of the natural environment of North America and the Caribbean. At a time when much of this region was still scientifically undocumented by Europeans, his work provided groundbreaking visual and descriptive records of previously unrecorded species. This set of two vertical engravings showcase some of Catesby's signature bird compositions with natural flora and fauna. The birds featured are: 1.) The Booby 2.) The Blue-Winged Shoveler Elegantly gold-framed and matted with a white four-inch mat, these two prints capture the pioneering spirit of early natural history illustration that remains among the most celebrated images of North American animals, flora, and fauna ever produced. The sight measurement of the prints are 12" x 18", and each print includes the hand-colored specimens along with their scientific names (Binomial nomenclature or two-part Latin naming system used to identify species, the Genus and the Species). This grouping is a versatile statement piece for modern interiors. The vertical orientation makes them particularly versatile for installation as a set. They will be ideal over a sofa, console or along a gallery wall. The set is ideal for traditional or transitional libraries or studies, or coastal or nautical-inspired living spaces.