1880s Joseph Prestwich tinted photograph
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1880s Joseph Prestwich tinted photograph
1890s Joseph Prestwich photograph by Elliot and Fry, Swan electric engraving (with later tinting) being the frontispiece to " Life and Letters of Sir Joseph Prestwich" 1899 (12 March 1812 - 23 June 1896). Geologist specialising in hydrogeology, famous for his work confirming the antiquity of man. In 1859 he followed a lead by Hugh Falconer that it was worth checking the claims of Boucher de Perthes that the French Somme gravels contained human artefacts in place with an extinct megafauna. With friend John Evans he found and photographed handaxes in situ in the gravels and presented his detailed work in the Proceedings of the Royal Society. The work fairly rapidly won acceptance (though the details and exact dates of the tools long remained unknown). In 1863 the influential geologist Sir Charles Lyell published his book on Human Antiquity supporting the case for a long human chronology
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6318837
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Acheulian Archaeology Biface Boucher De Perthes Falconer France French Geologist Hand Axe Heidelbergensis Homo Human Antiquity Human Origins Mammoth Neanderthal Pre History Stone Tools Stratigraphy Abbeville Flint Implements
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of renowned geologist Joseph Prestwich, a pioneer in hydrogeology and a key figure in confirming the antiquity of man. Taken by Elliot and Fry in the 1890s, this tinted photograph showcases Prestwich's dedication to his field and his significant contributions to archaeology. Intrigued by claims made by Boucher de Perthes regarding human artifacts found alongside extinct megafauna in French Somme gravels, Prestwich embarked on an investigation with his friend John Evans. In 1859, they discovered and photographed handaxes still embedded within these ancient gravels, presenting their groundbreaking findings to the Proceedings of the Royal Society. Although specific details about these tools remained unknown for some time, their work quickly gained acceptance among fellow scientists. Prestwich's research played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of human origins and challenging prevailing beliefs about chronology. His efforts were further supported when influential geologist Sir Charles Lyell published his book on Human Antiquity in 1863. Paul D. Stewart's artistic rendition beautifully brings together elements from Prestwich's life and work into this stunning frontispiece for "Life and Letters of Sir Joseph Prestwich" (1899). The image features not only Prestwich himself but also symbolic representations such as mammoths, Neanderthals, stone tools like biface hand axes associated with Acheulian culture, alluding to humanity's prehistoric past. This print is a testament to both scientific achievement and artistic expression—a visual tribute honoring one man's profound impact on our understanding of human history.
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