J. Gould Print Birds of Great Britain Iceland Gull

This beautiful hand-colored lithograph, Larus Islandicus or Iceland Gull, is from John Gould's Birds of Great Britain (1862-1873). Published by Wm. Hart, H. C. Richter and Joseph Wolf from drawings by Hart, Richter, Gould and Wolf, it is universally recognized as being the finest and most comprehensive record of native birds at that time. This mammoth work featured illustrations of 367 different British birds, many of whom are also indigenous to North America.

John Gould (1804-1881) was often called "the Bird Man" and his lifetime work comprised more than 40 volumes with more than 3,000 colored plates. A distinguished British naturalist, he learned taxidermy at Windsor Castle where his father was foreman of gardeners. In 1827 he became taxidermist to the Zoological Society of London. Shortly after he married Elizabeth Coxen in 1827, Gould acquired a collection of bird skins from the Himalayas. After he stuffed and mounted them, he became aware of their artistic possibilities and his career as a bird illustrator began. Elizabeth helped draw, lithograph and color many of the first plates.

The only artist to rival Audubon, Gould's output was more much prolific. He was often called the "British Audubon". His prints are masterful in design and composition, and are known for detail, accuracy and beautiful hand coloring.

Size and Condition:

Overall condition of this print is excellent with no foxing or tears. The paper has normal age toning and evidence of the original binding is on the bottom of the print. Paper size is approximately 22" x 14 1/4". As a bonus, the original text is included with the print.

Item ID: 000137