Bewick << BYOO ihk >>, Thomas (1753-1828), was the most important wood engraver in English art. He became known for his book illustrations of animals and country life. Most of Bewick’s illustrations are small, measuring only about 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide. They show his sense of humor, love of landscape, and understanding of people. Bewick engraved hundreds of animal illustrations for A General History of Quadrupeds (1790). He used both live animals and stuffed animals as models. He copied other artists’ illustrations for pictures of animals he had never seen, such as lions and bison. He also illustrated the two-volume work A History of British Birds (1797, 1804).
Bewick was born on Aug. 10 or 12, 1753, in Cherryburn, near Newcastle upon Tyne. He died on Nov. 8, 1828.
