PAINTED FINCH (OR BUNTING)
From Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands
Mark Catesby (1683 – 1749)
1729 – 1747 (1771 edition text; Print struck c. 1800; Map 1815 edition)
London, England
Engraving
Catesby Volumes: Anonymous Gift (acc. 1012.1a)
LOA: 21 1/2", WOA: 14 1/2"
Map: MESDA Purchase Fund (acc. 5474)
HOA: 21"
Before Georgia was founded in 1733, the naturalist Mark Catesby traveled near present-day Augusta recording the area’s wildlife. His knowledge of the lands that became Georgia brought him into contact with the Colony’s founders, including James Edward Oglethorpe (1696 - 1785), who he recommended for membership in the Royal Society.
Catesby began publication of his Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands in 1729, prior to the founding of Georgia. He did not complete his ambitious project until 1747. This resulted in Georgia's omission from the title of the book, but its inclusion on the accompanying map.
