WILLIAM MACKENZIE - Aurora Borealis In High Latitudes

THE ARTWORK

In Mackenzie's National Encyclopaedia (1891), the Aurora Borealis is described as a captivating natural phenomenon occurring primarily in high latitudes, especially near the Arctic Circle. The aurora, also known as the "Northern Lights," is characterized by brilliant displays of light that appear in the night sky, often as shimmering curtains, arcs, or rays of green, red, yellow, and violet.

Victorian-era encyclopedias such as Mackenzie’s often marveled at the beauty and mystery of the aurora, sometimes associating it with folklore or mythological interpretations, while also attempting to explain it through the lens of scientific inquiry. The phenomenon was particularly fascinating in an era of expanding scientific exploration and knowledge about the natural world.

THE ARTIST

William Mackenzie was a prominent 19th-century English publisher known for producing illustrated books, encyclopedias, and serial publications that catered to the growing middle-class readership in Victorian Britain. Based in London and Glasgow, Mackenzie's firm specialized in affordable, well-illustrated reference works, which were often sold through subscription or in installments—a popular method of book distribution at the time.

One of Mackenzie’s most notable contributions was his large-scale, lavishly illustrated encyclopedias and educational works, such as The National Encyclopaedia, which covered a wide range of subjects from history and geography to science and literature. These volumes were often prized for their comprehensive scope and beautiful engravings, making knowledge accessible to a broader audience during an era of increasing literacy.

Mackenzie also published religious works, biographies, and atlases, reflecting the Victorian appetite for self-improvement and intellectual growth. His publications were often marketed as essential for the home library, symbolizing the value placed on education and culture in 19th-century Britain. Through his affordable and visually appealing books, William Mackenzie played a significant role in shaping the popular literary and educational landscape of his time.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit