Clark, John Heaviside
1813

Antique aquatint of Killing a Shark

Antique aquatint: Killing a Shark

DESCRIPTION: First edition of this scarce hand-colored aquatint by John Heaviside Clark (1771-1836) in "Foreign Field Sports, Fisheries, Sporting Anecdotes…". In this fine engraved print from 1813 a small boat, overloaded with ship's crew pull a sailor to safety while another sailor prepares to drive a lance through the head of the shark.

A short shark-catching anecdote describes the physiology and habits of the shark and then devotes most emphasis to the shark's terrifying appearance and ferocity, concluding with this story:

"The late Sir Brook Watson was, as is well known, rescued from the jaws of death at the very moment when they were extended to devour him. His situation was precisely similar to that of the young seaman represented in the Plate. While bathing, when a young man, he was pursued by a Shark; and his imminent danger being perceived by the ships company, a boat was immediately put off: before it arrived, however the Shark had snapped at its unfortunate victim, and carried off a leg and a part of the thigh. It was in the act of making a second seizure when a sailor struck it with a boat-hook, and drove it from the pursuit.

Published by Edward Orme from Bond Street London, on March 1, 1813. On paper bearing a watermark of 1811.

CREATOR: Clark, John Heaviside

PUBLICATION DATE: 1813

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United Kingdom

BODY OF WATER: Pacific Ocean

CONDITION: Good. Clean inside the image with some staining at the bottom margin (near the binding) well away from the image. Will frame nicely.

COLORING: Neat restrained original hand color.

ENGRAVER: Dubourg

SIZE: 8 " x 6 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 1

PRICE: $95

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