Who painted Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis)?

Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis)?

Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis)?

Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis) is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis)?

Museum-quality prints of Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis)

Mark Catesby , 1737

Cat's Claw (Mimosa circinalis) 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.

Inscription: Inscribed:center left in plate (in blank space near pod): MC; upper left in plate: 97.; by later hand, lower left in graphite: VIII/SL; by later hand, lower center in graphite: Catesby 1743

About this work

Overview

Created in 1737 by English naturalist Mark Catesby, Cat’s Claw (Mimosa circinalis) is a hand‑colored etching and engraving on laid paper. The print forms part of Catesby’s extensive visual record of North American plants and animals, which later appeared in his multi‑volume work Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a branch bearing green foliage and soft pink blossoms, from which a coiled snake with reddish‑brown bands hangs. A vivid yellow and black butterfly, speckled with blue‑yellow dots, rests on the ground nearby, illustrating the intertwined relationships of flora and fauna in the region.

Technique & Style

Catesby combined copper‑plate etching with engraving, then applied watercolor pigments by hand to achieve naturalistic coloration. The use of laid paper provides a textured background that enhances the fine line work and the delicate details of the plant’s leaves and the animal figures.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the decade-long compilation of Catesby’s Natural History, a pioneering illustrated survey of the southeastern United States and the Bahamas. The work, issued in installments from 1729 to 1747, presented 220 plates, establishing the first comprehensive printed record of North American natural history.

Context

Catesby’s observations were made while traveling through the colonies, where he collected specimens and sketched them in situ. His publications catered to European audiences eager for scientific knowledge of the New World, blending empirical observation with artistic craftsmanship.