Sowerby-Cerithium Brevilium

Title:   Cerithium Brevialium

Artist: George Brettingham Sowerby

Publication:  The Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells

Date:  1820 - 1834

Print Type: Hand Colored Engraving

Condition: VG

Size:  5 1/2” x 8 3/4”

Code: A1005

Description:  George Brettingham Sowerby (1788 - 1854), son of James Sowerby, was a British naturalist, illustrator, and conchologist.  These lovely hand colored shell engravings taken from The Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells for the use of Students in Conchology and Geology - Number XLII, began publication in London by James and G.B. Sowerby in 1820.  The work was published in 42 parts and sold both as “plain” engravings and “highly finished in Colours” per the cover to each section.  The work was published over 13 years and done solely by G.B. Sowerby after the death of his father James.

These genuine antique shell prints are from the last installment (XLII) making them over 170 years old and in wonderful condition, measuring 5 1/2” by 8 3/4” with plate lines present.  The paper is a soft cream from age toning with minimal spotting, none affecting the shells. The hand coloring is bright and paper edges still show binding marks.  A copy of the title page and descriptive text is available with each antique print.