Perry, George – 010

• Description: Conchology, or the Natural History of Shells
• Author: George Perry
• Date: 1811
• Condition of Plate: Overall excellent.
• Condition of Work: Overall excellent.
• Paper Size: 11″ by 16 1/2″
• Image Size: 9″ by 12 1/2″

George Perry’s work Conchology, of the Natural History of Shells

These beautifully rendered prints are from George Perry’s Conchology, of the Natural History of Shells. These are the only prints of shells made by that most elaborate and rich process of aquatinting. The plates are decorative and inventive pictures of shells colored richly and idiosyncratically. Though he was criticized in contemporary natural history circles for his apparent whimsy and lack of scientific concern, Perry has since been greatly vindicated. His Conchology is now considered a serious work and his “absurd” names have become generally accepted. Whatever the resolution of this scientific debate, the prints were produced with the finest craftsmanship, and are undeniably beautiful.