An Introduction to Mark Catesby

The Earliest Watercolor Drawings of North America’s Flora and Fauna, 1712-1726

Exhibition Website

Jul 9 2016 - Sep 11 2016

OUMA presents a selection of 16 limited edition reproductions of original watercolor drawings by Mark Catesby (ca.1682-1749). This is the first natural history of North America and was completed 100 years before those of John James Audubon. The 265 original watercolors were purchased by King Henry III (sic) [should be George III] in 1768 for his Royal Library at Windsor Castle. They have been kept in storage to this day, hence the clarity of color in the originals from which the facsimiles are made. Along with the 16 framed works, wall text, video and one of the four volume publications will be on view.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website

  • Painting
  • European
  • 18th Century
  • Still Life / Botanic
  • Mark Catesby

Exhibition Venues & Dates