John and Elizabeth Gould

HYBRID GROUSE

26 x 20 inches

A lithograph in original colour published in London between 1832 and 1837.

A lithograph in fine original hand colour. This print is drawn and lithographed by John and Elizabeth Gould and published in John Gould’s The Birds of Europe between 1832 and 1837. Gould’s birds are considered to be the finest of any nineteenth century ornithological prints. They demonstrate, better than any other work, the aptitude for lithography to capture the fragility and beauty of each bird’s plumage. The hand colouring is exceptionally fine and is faithful to the colours of the particular bird.John Gould is perhaps the most respected and prolific of all the ornithological artists. His passion for ornithology was coupled with great skill as an artist and throughout his life (1804-1881) he travelled to every continent in pursuit of this interest. The result was the production of nearly 3000 lithographs of birds from around the world grouped together in large folios to designate their country of origin. Assisting him in this monumental task were several other accomplished artists including Edward Lear, H. Richter, Joseph Wolf, W. Hart and even his wife, Elizabeth Gould. Gould’s birds remain some of the most decorative and sought after ornithological studies ever produced.

£985