"Crested or coped black vulture"

Catalogue note:
George Edwards (1694 - 1773) English naturalist and ornithologist, known as the ‘father of British ornithology’. In his early years he travelled extensively through mainland Europe, studying natural history, and gained some reputation for his colour drawings of animals, especially birds. In 1733, on the recommendation of Hans Sloane, he was appointed librarian to the Royal College of Physicians in London. Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum, had employed George Edwards as a natural history painter for many years, and Edwards drew miniature figures of animals for him. Edwards visited Sloane once a week to share news over a coffee. Sloane kept track of Edwards's expenses and reimbursed him annually. Edwards served as College librarian for thirtysix years, and was chosen Fellow of the Royal Society and of the London Society of Antiquaries, of which he was rewarded with the Cop-ley Medal.