1785 John Latham - Synopsis - Black-Headed WEAVER BIRD Ornithology - hand coloured

Ornithological study, possibly the Black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus) or the Village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) birds native to Africa. The specimen is shown perched on a branch, with village and mountain scenery behind.

Beautiful engraving in fine original hand colour from Latham’s scarce A General Synopsis of Birds 1785.

24.4 x 18.4 cm

Exquisite original hand colour.

London, 1785

Bibliography: Anker 277; Fine Bird Books, p.87; Nissen IVB 532; Wood, p.427; Zimmer, p.371

In GOOD CONDITION without the usual offsetting. On fine laid paper (last image shows paper texture under a light tray). Very light age spotting.

John Latham (27 June 1740 – 4 February 1837) was an English physician, naturalist and author. His main works were A General Synopsis of Birds (1781–1801) and General History of Birds (1821–1828). He was able to examine specimens of Australian birds which reached England in the last twenty years of the 18th century, and was responsible for naming many of them. These included the emu, sulphur-crested cockatoo, wedge-tailed eagle, superb lyrebird and Australian magpie. He was also the first to describe the hyacinth macaw. Latham has been called the "grandfather" of Australian ornithology.