John & Elizabeth Gould.

[Moorhen] The Common Gallinule.

21 x 14.5 inches

A lithograph in original hand colour, drawn on stone by H. C. Richter after the drawings by John and Elizabeth Gould and published in John Gould's 'Birds of Europe' between 1832 and 1837.

A study of a pair of moorhens (Gallinula chloropus). Today the name 'Common Gallinule' refers to its American cousin. 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. These 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.