The Hawks-bill Turtle (Testudo caretta) Possibly 1731 - 1743

"The Hawks-bill Turtle (Testudo caretta)" is a hand-colored etching created by English naturalist Mark Catesby sometime between 1731 and 1743. The image depicts a hawksbill sea turtle on a sandy beach with a clutch of eggs in the lower left corner. Catesby was known for his meticulous illustrations of North American flora and fauna, which he documented during his travels. This print is a beautiful example of his detailed and accurate depictions of the natural world, highlighting his contributions to scientific illustration and natural history.