Peter Paillou (British, c.1720-1790)
The Rock Pigeon (Columba Livia)
Watercolor and gouache over pencil on laid paper watermarked VI
ca. 1750
Paper size: 13 1/2 x 19 1/2 in
Frame size: 19 1/2 x 25 1/2 in

This watercolor appears to be a preparatory drawing for British Zoology. A sample of the final engraved plate is shown here for reference, the present watercolor is rendered as an engraving at the bottom of the page.

Little is known of Peter Paillou’s early career, but he gained a reputation in the 18th century as a natural history painter and illustrator.  He was employed by two leading naturalists and antiquarians, Taylor White (1701-1772) and Thomas Pennant (1726-1798).  He illustrated the latter’s British Zoology and decorated the hall at Downing, Pennant’s house in Flintshire, with several pictures of birds and animals, four of which represented the year’s seasons. He also contributed plates to A Natural History of Birds by George Edwards, 1740–50.