1893 Nature in Descending Regions
By: Walter Levi Yaggy
Date: 1893 (published) Chicago, IL
Dimensions: 22.5 x 34.5 inches (57.2 x 87.5 cm)
This is one of the best early diagrams to illustrate a human understanding of the underwater world and the biological lifeforms that inhabit our oceans. It appeared in the 1893 edition of Levi Walter Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio, which was published as an educational tool for high schools and colleges. The entire portfolio consisted of nine illustrated charts, and maps as well as two movable diagrams of presenting celestial phenomena, all housed in a wooden cloth-wrapped case.
Yaggy's Nature in Descending Regions presents a cross-sectional view of nature below the surface of the ocean in an era of scientific knowledge, post-Charles Darwin and pre-Hans Hass and Jacques Cousteau. Much of their understanding of the marine world at the time came from what could be viewed at the surface, pulled up from below, or observed using a self-contained diving rig that predated modern SCUBA gear. Additionally, the technology of late 19th century submarines was not yet advanced enough to view or observe marine life as they were not build with portholes that could withstand the pressure increase that comes with underwater descents.
Even though the knowledge of marine life is severely lacking from what we know today or even just 50 years after this print was made, Yaggy is able to offer a vibrant and active view into underwater ecosystems. The three major oceans of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian are labeled below and correspond to the sea life known to reside within. From sharks to blowfish, whales, and porpoises, cuttlefish and octopus (here labeled Devil Fish), lobsters, hermit crabs, jellyfish, starfish, sea anemones, underwater plants and corals are all represented is this vibrant print.
Chromolithography or Multi-stone Printing
This print and others from Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio were produced using multi-stone chromolithography, a method of color printing by multiple applications of lithographic stones, each using a different color ink. Previously, lithographs were printed in black and white and then colored by hand, often times with watercolor paint. This method was not only more suitable for mass production, but also resulted a much more vibrant image.
Levi Walter Yaggy (1848 - 1912) Was born in Plainfield Illinois to Jacob and Elizabeth Yaggy. He attended Northwestern College in Naperville, Illinois before moving to Chicago where he would found the Great Western Publishing House in 1874. He business would enjoy great success, ultimately expanding to include seventeen branch offices throughout the United States and employing thousands. Yaggy primarily focused on creating maps and educational books and portfolios for high schools and colleges that included "Museum of Antiquity; A Description of Ancient Life...," "The Standard History of All Nations and Races…," and "Yaggy’s Anatomical Study; Presenting the Skeleton, Muscles, Arteries, Veins and Nerves...," among others.
Condition: This print is in B+ condition with some light soiling and some crinkling of the lower left corner. Color is vibrant and margins are full with no holes or tears.
Inventory #12219
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