The Spotted Ribbon Snake (Coluber nebulosus?)

published 1731-1743

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a drawing of a snake intertwined with various botanical elements. The composition features a long, slender snake weaving its way around and through a lush collection of green leaves and flora. The botanical elements include compound leaves, hanging seed pods, and flowers. On the lower right, there is a pink flower with a blue round fruit beneath it. The line work is precise and the coloring is subtle yet vivid, showcasing the natural details and textures of both the snake and plants with scientific accuracy. The detailed rendering suggests that this artwork serves as both an artistic piece and a scientific illustration.

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: 35.4 x 26.2 cm (13 15/16 x 10 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 53.8 x 36.8 cm (21 3/16 x 14 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.63

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Natural History, Vol. vol.2, no. 51

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: Pseudo &c. Flos. Passioms &c.; lower right in plate: Anguis &c.; upper left in plate: 51

Watermarks

I Taylor

Wikidata ID

Q74894946

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