Mark Catesby, engraving, "Novacula" Blue Fish, T.18, from Natural History edition, 18th century, impression area 10 3/16" X 13 7/8" plus mat and frame.....Biography from Cheryl Newby GalleryMark Catesby is known for his study and illustrated book, Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahamas Islands. It is one of the earliest contributions to the study and illustration of natural history in America. His work is especially valued by persons in the South where he spent much of his time after arriving in Charleston on May 23, 1722.Encouragement and financial assistance came from Colonel Francis Nicholson, Governor of South Carolina, among others. Upon his arrival, Mr. Catesby set about to illustrate all the plants, animals, birds, fish, and reptiles in the young British colony. He was frequently assisted along the way by Native Americans. The result was the publication of a work consisting of 220 hand-colored engravings.