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John Gould (1841-1881) 

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.

Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-birds (1849-1861)  

Picture Gallery

This is 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.

 

A Monograph of Ramphastidae or Family of Toucans (1834) 

 

First Edition      -Plate Listing   Picture Gallery

Second Edition - Plate Listing   Picture Gallery

 

is the most flamboyant of Gould's works. These remarkable lithographs are all first edition. Many of the lithographs in the first edition were drawn by Edward Lear and are extremely sought after. The exotic Toucans have a sense of familiarity because they are among the most often reproduced images of all bird art. The name Toucan is derived from the Tupi Indians of Brazil who call them Tucano. Their origin is the tropical rain forests of the Americas.

The Birds of Great Britain (1862 and 1873)

Plate Listing   Picture Gallery

Gould's achievement with this work was to create the most comprehensive record of native birds at that time. A great variety of species are depicted in this series. Interestingly, many of the British birds are also indigenous to North America.

This folio was created at the peak of Gould's artistic maturity. The appealing quality of virtually every plate alludes to this fact. The Birds of Great Britain was in many respects the culmination of his career. The beautiful colors, dramatic backgrounds and frequent inclusion of baby birds in the composition all point to the success of this publication in Gould's day and why it is so sought after by collectors today. The prints we offer are perfect in every way from the first edition of one of the finest ornithological folios ever made.

 
 
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