John Gould (1804-1881) was the most prolific artist and publisher of ornithological subjects of all time. In nineteenth century Europe his name was as well known as Audubon's was here in North America. Unlike Audubon, whose life's work focused on one region, Gould traveled widely and employed other artists to help create his lavish hand-colored lithographic folios. Nearly 3,000 lithographs were created during the span of his long career.

Considered to be Gould's masterpiece in both breadth and beauty, four hundred eighteen species are depicted by the artists John Gould, H.C. Richter and William Hart. Each plate exquisitely portrays these delicate, evocatively colored birds with the flowers indigenous to their area. Strong botanical elements add a dimension not found in other bird folios. A Family of Humming-birds also displays a tour de force of the hand-colored lithograph as a medium. Gold leaf, transparent oil colors, water colors, lacquers and gum arabic are combined to capture the iridescent quality of these most colorful of birds.