Edward Lear

One of the greatest ornithological artists of his era, the multi-talented Edward Lear, (1812-1888) was a self taught naturalist and painter who later became famous as a writer of nonsense and limericks.  Lear's exacting and masterly skill as an artist was employed by many major publishers of nineteenth century English ornithologies and natural histories. 

 Lear's work is further distinguished by the fact that he was the first bird artist to draw from living examples, capturing not only the precise details of the birds he painted, but also the individual bird's unique character traits.  The plates Lear contributed to John Gould's Bird's of Europe are amoung the finest of that work.

 These rare, beautifully hand-colored plates are signed by Lear in the lithographic stone.  Folio size, 21.5 x 14.5 inches. 

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