Description

***As was so often the case, though noted for his depictions of wildlife and big game, Howitt had clearly not seen the original subject here. The inscription indicates this work was a composite of a study by one of the much-travelled Daniell family, most likely Samuel Daniell (1775-1811) who was the artist on an expedition to Africa where he produced numerous images of animals, and specimen head, quite possibly a skull, from the Leverian Museum. Also known as the Holophusikon, this was the collection of amateur naturalist Ashton Lever (1729-1788), originally based in his home near Manchester, but relocated to Leicester House, on Leicester Square in London, where it became a popular public attraction in the late 18th century..