Published 20/05/2016
This month commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the British artist, illustrator, author and poet. His works are a fusion of art, science and literature and are highlighted in a new exhibition at the London's Royal Society, the oldest scientific academy in existence.
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The Royal Society is celebrating the bicentenary year of Edward Lear's birth (1812–1888) by exhibiting some of his finest zoological illustrations that were collaborations with Fellows of the Royal Society. We're delighted to present Bridgeman's collection of images by the artist available for licensing and fine art prints. Perhaps most famous for his nonsense poetry, particularly "The Owl and the Pussycat," Edward Lear was also an artist and scientific illustrator, particularly of beautifully observed exotic birds. The exhibition will showcase many of his drawings from across his career, including a rare folio Lear illustrated in 1846. Gleanings from the Menagerie and Aviary at Knowsley Hall features illustrations of live animals living at the estate of Edward Smith-Stanley (the 13th Earl of Derby and Lear's patron), many of which, such as the Malayan giant squirrel and red lemur, were unknown to British science until presented to the Royal Society. |
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As well as being beautiful representations of wild and exotic animals, Lear's zoological prints also convey the fascinating collaboration between art and science in the nineteenth century. Click through to see over 400 drawings and illustrations by Edward Lear
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