The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, vol. II

James H. Wheldon, 1851

MEDIUMIllustrations: hand-colored lithographs
DIMENSIONS11 5/16 x 7 7/8 x 2 1/16 in. (28.7 x 20 x 5.2 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEBequest of Emma Sheafer, 1974

Step into the 19th-century world of natural history with these hand-colored lithographs of North American mammals. Each page is a testament to meticulous artistry and scientific curiosity, bringing the continent's wildlife to vivid life.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This volume, part of a larger series, presents a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century American natural history, specifically focusing on the mammals of North America. Each page features a hand-colored lithograph, a meticulous process where an initial black-and-white print was individually painted, bringing a vibrant, lifelike quality to the depicted animals. While the artist is not explicitly named for each illustration, the collective effort aimed to document the continent's diverse wildlife with scientific rigor and artistic flair. The book’s comprehensive scope reflects a period of intense exploration and classification, as naturalists sought to catalog the vast species found in the expanding American frontier. These illustrations served not only as scientific records but also as a means for the general public to visualize creatures that many would never encounter in person, fostering both education and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

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What to Notice

1

Observe the delicate hand-coloring on each animal.

2

Notice the detailed fur textures and anatomical accuracy.

3

Look for the precise scientific labeling beneath each illustration.

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Audio Deep Dive

Step into the 19th-century world of natural history with these hand-colored lithographs of North American mammals. Each page is a testament to meticulous artis…

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THE ARTIST
James H. Wheldon 1830–1895 · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

James H. Wheldon, a British painter active in the late 19th century, is known for his etching of 'Saint James the Greater'.

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