"Two Frenchmen, who have been attempting to domesticate the crocodile, are seized by the angry beasts. A monster seizes in its jaws the leg of the man who has attempted to ride it; the man clasps halter and whip, his saddle lies on the ground together with a large book, 'Sur l'Education du Crocodile', beside which are three plates: 'Planche 1st', a Frenchman rides a crocodile; 'Pl: 2de', a Frenchman drives a high phaeton drawn by a pair of crocodiles; 'Pl: 3me', a small boat is drawn through the water by a crocodile. In the middle distance (right) a crocodile seizes the coat of a terrified man, who drops a book: 'Les Droits du Crocodile' (cf. BMSat 9352). A third crocodile (left) with hungry jaws climbs from the reeds fringing the river."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., One of seven plates on the French Expedition to Egypt, purported to have been drawn by a fellow expedition member., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Temporary local subject terms: Egyptian campaign, 1798-1801-- Allusion to Institut d'Égypte -- Crocodiles -- Pictures amplifying subject: prints of crocodiles pulling carriage, ship, and used as a mount -- Riding gear -- Books -- Animal attacks.
Publisher:
Pubd. March 12th, 1799, by H. Humphrey, St. Jamess [sic] Street