English: Testudo tabulata (= Chelonoidis denticulatus, formerly Geochelone denticulatus) from "Thomas Bell: A Monograph of the Testudinata"
London: 1832-1836
日期
在1832年到1836年之间
date QS:P,+1832-00-00T00:00:00Z/8,P1319,+1832-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1326,+1836-00-00T00:00:00Z/9
The work was published by subscription between 1832 and 1836; eight parts were produced, each containing five plates. Although highly acclaimed, its publisher ran into financial difficulties and production of the parts ceased before the work was completed. The unsold parts and unpublished plates were bought by the publisher, Henry Sotheran, and the work was eventually published completely in 1872 as Tortoises, Terrapins and Turtles. This later book contains twenty more plates than the original monograph, ordered slightly differently.
The magnificent plates form the best collection of illustrations of tortoises, terrapins and turtles ever produced. Since many were drawn from living specimens, they are lifelike in both pose and colour. James de Carle Sowerby (1787–1871) made the drawings; from a formidable family of nineteenth century naturalists, Sowerby had helped to found the Royal Botanic Gardens but he is probably now better known for his many book illustrations. Edward Lear, now remembered for his nonsense verse, was responsible for producing the lithographs; the most accomplished lithographer of the time, he is credited with imbuing the tortoises and turtles depicted with their charming character and individuality.
{{Information |Description={{en|1=Testudo tabulata from "Thomas Bell: A Monograph of the Testudinata" London: 1832-1836}} |Source=http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/ecology/index.html |Author=James de Carle Sowerby (1787–1871) paintings, Edward Lear