The Grey Fox Squirrel (Sciurus cinereus)

published 1731-1743

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a drawing showing a squirrel with a large bushy tail next to a yellow flowering plant. The squirrel has a greyish-brown fur and a fluffy tail that arches over its back. It is facing a tall plant with yellow flowers and green leaves. The illustration is detailed, showcasing the fur texture of the squirrel and the pattern on the flower petals. Additionally, two brown bulbs with sprouts are shown on the right side of the squirrel. The drawing follows a style reminiscent of natural history illustrations, emphasizing realism and accuracy.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Collection of Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.2 x 34.9 cm (9 15/16 x 13 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 31.9 x 45.1 cm (12 9/16 x 17 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.91

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Natural History, Vol. vol.2, no. 74

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green, Virginia; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1771

  • Catesby, Mark. The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands. London: 1771.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: MC; lower left in plate: Viscum; lower center in plate: Sciurus; upper left in plate: T.74.; by later hand, across bottom in graphite: M. Catesby - London - 1754 Grey Fox - Squirrel 40-

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis with [?]VG

Wikidata ID

Q74895120

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