John William Lewin, “Sandpiper,” 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)

“Sandpiper,” or “Dunlin” (as titled in the plate), 1793 

The name “Dunlin” is the common English term derived from the 16th-century word “dunling,” where “dun” means dull brown and “-ling” is a diminutive suffix—essentially meaning “little brown one.” 

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on wove paper with the original hand-colouring of publication and full margins as issued. This plate is number 177, facing page 26, in the sixth 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/BirdsGreatBritaVI/page/177/mode/1up.

This is an exceptionally fine impression, with vivid original hand-colouring that has been sensitively applied and remains unfaded. The sheet is in pristine condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains, or signs of handling.

Dimensions: 

• Sheet: 34 x 23.3 cm
• Platemark: 17.4 x 13.7 cm

Numbered and Lettered on Plate: 

• Upper right corner: “177”
• Lower centre: “DUNLIN. I.W. Lewin, del.et.sculp._Published as the Act directs, Nov.7. 1793.”

Price & Shipping:

AU$244 (approximately US$171.02 / €149.37 / £129.02), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this delicate and beautifully coloured etching, which captures a Sandpiper in a tense moment of alertness as it seems to examine the viewer, ready for a quick escape—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.