John Gould Calornis Crassa Slaty-grey Glossy Starling lithograph c1880

by Gould, John

John Gould Slaty-grey Glossy Starling, Calornis Crassa lithograph.

Original hand-coloured lithograph was drawn and lithographed by William Hart (1830-1908) for "Birds of New Guinea and Adjacent Papuan Islands, including many new species recently discovered in Australia" published in London between 1875 and 1888. by "The Bird Man", John Gould (1804-1881). From 1881, following the death of Gould, his friend and collaborator, fellow bird-lover Richard Bowdler Sharp 1847-1908 (who was 40 years his junior and completed publication of Gould's final magnificent publication.

John Gould was a brilliant ornithologist who devoted his life to the study of birds. He had a fine eye for detail and knew his limitations as an artist, so employed the finest lithographers of the day and closely monitored their work. An astute businessman, Gould obtained wealthy subscribers' funds to enable his magnificent publications.

This is a beautiful original John Gould lithograph In good condition except for an almost undiscernable tiny conservation repaired extremity tear at right. With beautiful hand-colour, the digital photo does not do it justice. We provide a close up of the bird to show the fine detail of the lithograph. There are full borders, as published. The size of the page is as issued, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x 14.5 inches).