Joseph Smit

Joseph Smit (1836–1929), Dutch, Joseph Smit, a Dutch artist renowned for his detailed animal illustrations, particularly birds, was born on July 18, 1836, in Lisse, Netherlands, and passed away on November 4, 1929, in Radlett, Hertfordshire, England. His emigration to Great Britain in 1866 marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him become one of the most celebrated lithographers of his time. Alongside contemporaries like Joseph Wolf and John Gerrard Keulemans, Smit gained international fame for his contributions to ornithological illustrations. His work on 'Exotic Ornithology' under Philip Sclater and collaborations on significant publications such as the 'Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum' and 'Birds of the British Islands' showcased his exceptional skill in bringing avian species to life through art. Smit's legacy is not only preserved in his extensive body of work but also through his son, Pierre Jacques Smit, who followed in his father's footsteps as an animal illustrator. Joseph Smit's contributions to natural history illustration remain a testament to his talent and dedication to the field.