Mark Catesby

Mark Catesby
Mark Catesby (1683–1749), English, Mark Catesby, an English naturalist born on 24 March 1683 in Castle Hedingham, Essex, is celebrated for his pioneering work in documenting the flora and fauna of the New World. His early interest in natural history was nurtured through his acquaintance with John Ray, a leading naturalist of the time. Following the death of his father in 1703, Catesby inherited sufficient means to pursue his passions, leading him to accompany his sister to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1712. This journey marked the beginning of his extensive explorations in the Americas, including a visit to the West Indies in 1714, before returning to England in 1719.
Catesby's contributions to natural history were monumental. Between 1729 and 1747, he published 'Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands,' a groundbreaking work that featured 220 plates detailing the diverse species of North America. His meticulous collections of seeds and specimens from Virginia and Jamaica, shared with notable figures such as Dr. Samuel Dale and Bishop Henry Compton, earned him recognition among England's scientific and gardening communities. In 1722, commissioned by members of the Royal Society, Catesby embarked on a plant-collecting expedition to Carolina, where he based himself in Charleston and traveled extensively to gather and document the region's natural wonders. His work laid the foundation for future naturalists and remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the study of American natural history.
  • Unicornis piscis, The Bahama Unicorn-Fish; The form of a Tooth. (1754)

    Unicornis piscis, The Bahama Unicorn-Fish; The form of a Tooth. (1754)

    Mark Catesby (English, 1683–1749)

    A strange fish with a single horn-like tooth glides through turquoise waters, its scales catching the light. The creature seems plucked from myth, yet rendered with precise detail—as if daring you to question its reality.

  • The Sole (Solea lunata & c) (1731-1743)

    The Sole (Solea lunata & c) (1731-1743)

    Mark Catesby (English, 1683–1749)

    A flat, sand-colored fish lies still against the ocean floor, its mottled skin blending seamlessly with the grains beneath. Delicate fins taper like whispers into the water. The muted palette belies the precision in each scale—a masterclass in camouflage, painted with the patience of a predator waiting.