Who painted The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum)?

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum)?

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum)?

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum)

Mark Catesby , 1737

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Mark Catesby. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Coach-Whip Snake (Coluber flagellum) is an etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper, created by English naturalist Mark Catesby in 1737. It is one of 220 plates in his *Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands*, a comprehensive documentation of North American flora and fauna published between 1729 and 1747.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a Coach-whip Snake coiled amidst dry leaves, with its pale belly illuminated. The hand-colored scales evoke a sense of luster, imbuing the image with a subtle vitality. The subject reflects Catesby’s observational approach to North American wildlife during his residency there.

Technique & Style

Catesby combined etching and engraving techniques to produce the plate, which was subsequently enhanced with hand-applied watercolor. This mixed-media approach allowed for detailed line work and expressive color, characteristic of Catesby’s blend of scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal.

History & Provenance

Originally created in 1737, the plate was part of a larger publication project spanning nearly two decades. Catesby’s practice involved drawing specimens in North America and shipping the artworks to England for printing and distribution.

Context

The Coach-Whip Snake plate contributed to European knowledge of New World wildlife during the 18th century, educating audiences about the flora and fauna of North America through detailed, illustrated natural history volumes.

Legacy

As part of *Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands*, The Coach-Whip Snake remains significant in the history of naturalist illustration, reflecting the intersection of scientific inquiry and artistic representation in the early modern period.