John Gould Sclater's Honey-eater, Meliarchus sclateri lithograph c1880

by Gould, John

John Gould Honey-eater antique print circa 1880. Original hand-coloured lithograph by William Hart for John Gould's final work "Birds of New Guinea and the Adjacent Papuan Islands, including many new species recently discovered in Australia" published in London between 1875 and 1888. 

'The Bird Man' John Gould (1804-1881) 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 he employed the finest lithographers of the day and closely monitored their work. He was also an astute business man and obtained subscribers to each of his grand publications to assist with his finances. After Gould's death, publication of this work was completed by Gould's friend, ornithologist Richard Bowdler-Sharpe who was in charge of the bird collection at the British Museum.

Our scanner is not large enough to show the full lithograph. The scan is not nearly as nice as the actual hand-coloured lithograph. Our scanner is not large enough so we show the beautiful honeyeater and flower. If you would like further images please email sales@antiqueprintclub.com. The page size is as issued, 535 x 370 mm (21 x 14.5 inches).