John Gould, Pl. 15 Many-banded Aracari, hand-colored lithograph, first edition, 1833–35
Acquire a superb hand-colored lithograph from John Gould’s Monograph of the Ramphastidae or Family of Toucans, Pl. 15 Many-banded Aracari, Pteroglossus pluricinctus, available this week only at a special price. Drawn from life and on stone by John and Elizabeth Gould, the Many-banded Aracari is native of Brazil, Colombia, N.E. Peru, and Venezuela, This exuberantly colored toucan is distinguished by its striped plumage, including two bands of red around the neck and chest, yellow and black striped bill, blue skin around the eye, and green tail feathers.
Hand-colored lithograph, printed in London by C. Hullmandel and colored by Gabriel Bayfield, 1832–35. Charles Hullmandel (1789–1850) was instrumental in developing British lithography. In perfect condition, sheet size measures 21.5 x 14.5 inches.
$2,750 this week only (list price $3,800). Offer expires 8-28-17.
A Monograph of the Ramphastidae or Family of Toucans is the most flamboyant of Gould’s works. Originally published in London in three parts from 1833 to 1835, the work comprises 33 hand-colored and one uncolored lithograph. Lear contributed nine of the plates, the rest were done by Elizabeth Coxen Gould, John Gould's talented wife, after sketches by John Gould. 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.
John Gould (1804–1881) is the most prolific publisher of ornithological subjects of all time. In 19th-century Europe, his name was as well known as Audubon’s was in North America. Gould's love of natural history was fostered in the gardens of King George III where his father was chief gardener at Windsor Castle. Although trained as a gardener, Gould’s interests quickly evolved, and at the age of 23, he was appointed taxidermist to the Zoological Society of London. After three years, he progressed to the position of curator of birds and chief taxidermist. In 1830, newly married, Gould and his artist wife, Elizabeth, began their publishing career.
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. Among Gould's renowned works is the monumental Birds of Europe, originally published in 22 parts from 1832 to 1837 and A Monograph of the Trochilidae or Family of Humming-Birds (1849-87), considered Gould’s masterpiece in both breath and beauty.
For further information or to purchase, please call the gallery at 312-642-5300