John Gould

King Duck Anas Spectabilis. Somateria Spectabilis

20 x 14

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

It's not difficult to appreciate why this breed is called a "king" duck; the distinctive yellow bulge above the male bill resembles a golden crown and the lavish plumage corresponds to a monarch's robes. Like many bird species it is the male who is larger, heavier and infinitely more ornate in appearance. It makes a melodic cooing noise whilst the dowdier female exhibits a low 'grunt'!

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.

Gould's birds remain some of the most decorative and sought after ornithological studies ever produced.

£875