Artwork
The Green Lizard of Jamaica (Lacerta bullaris)
The Green Lizard of Jamaica (Lacerta bullaris) 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
Created in 1737 by English naturalist Mark Catesby, this print depicts a green lizard native to Jamaica. Executed as an etching and engraving with hand‑applied color on laid paper, the image forms part of Catesby’s extensive visual record of New World flora and fauna.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows the lizard poised on a branch surrounded by large green leaves, vivid yellow flowers and clusters of pink buds. A distinctive red spot near the head and the animal’s elongated tail draw attention to anatomical details, while the surrounding vegetation provides a naturalistic context for the species.
Technique & Style
Catesby employed copper‑plate etching to outline the forms, followed by engraving to deepen lines and render texture. After printing, he applied watercolor by hand, enhancing the lizard’s green hue and the floral accents. The careful rendering of botanical elements reflects the scientific illustration standards of the early eighteenth century.
History & Provenance
The print appears in Catesby’s multi‑volume work *Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands*, issued between 1729 and 1747 and containing 220 illustrated plates. As a component of this publication, the image circulated among European naturalists and collectors interested in the biodiversity of the Caribbean.
Context
During the period of colonial exploration, detailed visual records were essential for documenting species unknown to European science. Catesby’s field observations in the Caribbean and southeastern North America informed his illustrations, which combined artistic precision with empirical description to support emerging taxonomic studies.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.
