John William Lewin, “Bearded Titmouse,” 1793

John William Lewin (1770–1819) — the first free artist to settle in New South Wales, Australia, and the first printmaker in the colony (see https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG35701)

“Bearded Titmouse,” or “Bearded Tit” (as titled in the plate), 1793

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on wove paper with the original hand-colouring and full margins as issued. This etching is plate 123 facing page 58 in the fourth volume (of eight) of Lewin’s “The Birds of Great Britain Systematically Arranged, Accurately Engraved, and Painted from Nature…”, published by Joseph Johnson (1738–1809) in London in 1795.

Archive.org offers an online view of the publication, providing context for this print and its accompanying description: https://archive.org/details/birdsGreatBritaIV/page/58/mode/2up.

This is an exceptionally fine (nearly faultless) impression, with the vivid original hand-colouring sensitively applied and unfaded. Aside from a few faint marks in the margin, the sheet is in excellent (near-pristine) condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, significant stains, or signs of handling.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 34 x 24.4 cm
• Platemark: 17.3 x 13.5 cm

Numbered and Lettered on Plate:

• Upper right corner: “123”
• Lower centre: “BEARDED TIT. I.W. Lewin, del.et.sculp^t. Published as the Act directs, Nov^r.1793.”

Price & Shipping:

AU$244 (approximately US$173.91 / €147.08 / £128.23), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this delicate and sensitively coloured etching that captures the Bearded Titmouse in a moment of focused anticipation—its slender frame tense with alertness as it gazes downward, scanning the reeds below for a meal—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.