This rare, quarto shell lithograph is from William Swainson's Exotic Conchology; or figures and descriptions of rare, beautiful, or undescribed Shells. The work was published in London by Henry G. Bohn in 1841. The work was edited by Syvanus Hanley. Many of the shells featured in the work are from New Zealand, Australia, and the South Seas. Dance referred it to as "one of the most beautifully illustrated works on shells ever published."

William Swainson (1789-1855) was an English zoological artist. He was a pioneer in the use of lithography for natural history illustrations and considererd one of the best zoological artists of his time.


Paper Size ~ 9 1/8" by 11 1/2"

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few faint fox marks or scattered foxing to prints from this work. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.