H. C. Richter after John Gould.

SURNIA FUNEREA (Hawk Owl).

14 x 21 inches

"The Birds of Great Britain" is considered by many to be Gould's finest and most popular work, comprising 367 plates of domestic birds, all beautifully drawn and intricately hand coloured. These hawk owls are amongst the most charming of the images, their quirky, almost comical looks belying their potential ferocity as birds of prey. The hawk owl is found throughout northern Europe and is distinctive for being neither migratory or nocturnal.

John Gould, although an accomplished ornithological artist, never produced any of the lithographs himself. He did, however, obtain the specimens, execute many of the drawings, write all the text and then arrange for the publication and distribution of the books. Many would argue that he took all the credit and failed to acknowledge others' work but, whatever the politics involved, Gould has bequeathed us the most astonishing collection of over 300 fabulous ornithological images, the most prolific output of the C19th.