William Cornwallis Harris
British
Major Sir William Cornwallis Harris (baptised 2 April 1807 – died 9 October 1848) was a notable English military engineer, artist, and hunter. Born in Kent, he began his military training at Addiscombe Military Seminary at the age of fourteen and joined the East India Company’s army as a second lieutenant in 1823. Over the next thirteen years, he served in various locations across India, honing his skills in field sports and wildlife depiction, eventually rising to the rank of captain.
In 1836, Harris arrived in Cape Town, seeking recovery from an illness. During his two-year stay, he connected with Dr. Andrew Smith, which led to a hunting expedition in the Western Transvaal and Magaliesberg alongside fellow traveler William Richardson. They set off with guidance from ivory traders and local figures, embarking on a journey rich with encounters, including their first sighting of the sable antelope. Harris’s observations and specimens contributed to the Zoological Society of London, marking significant contributions to natural history.
Harris's illustrations of African fauna are some of the earliest to claim accuracy, reflecting both his keen observations and his passion for the regions he explored. While not an exceptional artist, his works are characterized by charm and detail, significantly enhancing the field of natural history art.
After his time in South Africa, Harris returned to India to serve as a field engineer. From 1841 to 1843, he led a British diplomatic mission to Ethiopia, where he negotiated a commercial treaty with Sahle Selassie, the ruler of Shewa, while also collecting scientific data and cultural observations.
Promoted to major in 1843 and knighted the following year, Harris later took on engineering roles in India. He passed away near Poona at the age of 41 due to fever. Throughout his career, he published several works, including "Narrative of an Expedition into Southern Africa" and "The Wild Sports of Southern Africa," which captured his adventures and the wildlife he encountered. Harris left a legacy as a pioneer of wildlife illustration and exploration.
In 1836, Harris arrived in Cape Town, seeking recovery from an illness. During his two-year stay, he connected with Dr. Andrew Smith, which led to a hunting expedition in the Western Transvaal and Magaliesberg alongside fellow traveler William Richardson. They set off with guidance from ivory traders and local figures, embarking on a journey rich with encounters, including their first sighting of the sable antelope. Harris’s observations and specimens contributed to the Zoological Society of London, marking significant contributions to natural history.
Harris's illustrations of African fauna are some of the earliest to claim accuracy, reflecting both his keen observations and his passion for the regions he explored. While not an exceptional artist, his works are characterized by charm and detail, significantly enhancing the field of natural history art.
After his time in South Africa, Harris returned to India to serve as a field engineer. From 1841 to 1843, he led a British diplomatic mission to Ethiopia, where he negotiated a commercial treaty with Sahle Selassie, the ruler of Shewa, while also collecting scientific data and cultural observations.
Promoted to major in 1843 and knighted the following year, Harris later took on engineering roles in India. He passed away near Poona at the age of 41 due to fever. Throughout his career, he published several works, including "Narrative of an Expedition into Southern Africa" and "The Wild Sports of Southern Africa," which captured his adventures and the wildlife he encountered. Harris left a legacy as a pioneer of wildlife illustration and exploration.
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