A History of the Earth and Animated Nature — Cover (1820)
Gold-stamped ornament, botanical scrolls, and the promise of wonder between pages—this striking 1820 cover design channels the age of cabinets of curiosity. Typographic cartouches nest amid foliage and fauna, evoking an Enlightenment world where science, travel, and art converged. As a wall piece, it reads both scholarly and decorative: a luminous emblem of natural history refined for today’s interiors.
Why it captivates
-
Enlightenment romance — nature, knowledge, and print culture in one elegant design.
-
Ornamental typography — filigree borders and letterforms that reward close viewing.
-
Botanical & zoological motifs — subtle references to the “animated” world inside.
-
Library-chic statement — pairs beautifully with wood, linen, and brass accents.
-
Conversation starter — bridges literature, science, and graphic history.
-
Versatile palette — warm neutrals and inky linework suit classic or contemporary rooms.
What you’ll see
An ornate rectangular frame with leafy scrolls and delicate flourishes; crisp serif titling set within cartouches; fine linear detailing that holds beautifully at scale. Up close: hairline ornament and press-age character. From a step back: a balanced, dignified cover that reads as both artwork and artifact.
A richer historical frame
Irish author Oliver Goldsmith (1730–1774) first published A History of the Earth and Animated Nature in 1774. Its popularity carried through countless 18th–19th-century editions, blending natural history, observation, and period anecdote. This 1820 cover reflects that enduring appeal: a refined synthesis of scientific curiosity and book arts from the early industrial print era.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
803 × 841 mm (approx. 31.61 × 33.11 in)
-
Orientation: Portrait (near-square)
-
Aspect ratio: ~0.956 : 1
-
Nearest standard frame: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm) with a custom mat window
-
Framing tips:
-
Classic: cut the mat window to ~799 × 837 mm for a 2–3 mm edge overlap.
-
Contemporary: float-mount on an A0 backboard for a generous gallery margin.
-
Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Cover of A History of the Earth and Animated Nature |
| Published | 1820 (posthumous edition of Goldsmith’s work) |
| Historical Context | Enlightenment-era natural history; enduring 18th–19th-century popularity |
| Commission | Commercial book cover for 1820 edition (no formal institutional commission recorded) |
| Print Size | 803 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
-
Natural history lovers and collectors of Enlightenment-era design
-
Bibliophiles & academics curating book-ish, learned spaces
-
Interior stylists seeking a refined, heritage focal point
-
Gifts for scholars, librarians, and science-curious friends
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Bring the elegance of early natural history into your space—order your fine-art print of the 1820 cover today.
