Who painted The Land Frog (Rana)?

The Land Frog (Rana) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see The Land Frog (Rana)?

The Land Frog (Rana) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Land Frog (Rana)?

The Land Frog (Rana) is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Land Frog (Rana)?

Museum-quality prints of The Land Frog (Rana) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Land Frog (Rana)

Mark Catesby , 1737

The Land Frog (Rana) 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:lower right in plate: MC; lower center in plate: Rana Terrestris; lower right in plate: Sarracena; upper left in plate: T.69.

About this work

Overview

The Land Frog (Rana) is an etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper, created by English naturalist Mark Catesby in 1737. It is part of a larger illustrated study on North American wildlife.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a land frog (Rana Terrestris) in a natural setting, surrounded by specific plant elements: two tall green leaves with wavy edges, a star-shaped flower with a dotted center, and a large leaf with purple veins bearing bell-like buds. The composition reflects Catesby’s focus on detailed species documentation.

Technique & Style

The work combines etching and engraving techniques with meticulous hand coloring, characteristic of Catesby’s methodical approach to illustrating natural history. The style is reminiscent of 18th-century nature study illustrations, emphasizing accuracy over artistic embellishment.

History & Provenance

Published as part of Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands (1729-1747), this plate was among the first comprehensive recordings of the region’s flora and fauna. The publication’s significance lies in its detailed, early documentation of North American species.

Context

Created during the Enlightenment, The Land Frog (Rana) aligns with the era’s scientific curiosity and the burgeoning field of natural history. It catered to a growing interest in the New World’s biodiversity among European scholars and naturalists.