Duria Antiquior, a more ancient Dorset

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1830 - English geologist Henry De la Beche used watercolors to paint “Duria Antiquior, a more ancient Dorset”. This artwork is considered the first artistic rendering of prehistoric times showing a variety of prehistoric creatures interacting with one another and their environment.  It is also the first to show prehistoric creatures POOPING! De la Beche was inspired by fossils found by Mary Anning. 

Henry De la Beche commissioned professional artist George Scharf to create lithographic prints of his water color Duria Antiquior. William Buckland and Henry De la Beche sold these prints at lectures and gave the proceeds to Mary Anning who had fallen on hard times.
​Other artists created their own versions of Duria Antiquior. The gallery above features several of the best representations.