John Gould Calyptorhynchus Banksii reproduction print from Birds of Australia, published in 1982 and limited to 500 copies This image is from the grandest series on Birds of Australia drawn by  John Gould, lithographed by Henry Constantine Richter and originally published in London between 1840 and 1848.

Known as "the Bird Man" John Gould , was a naturalist whose love was the field ornithology. He combined his good eye for detail with his business acumen, and with the assistance of his artist wife Elizabeth, secured the services of the eminent lithographers of the day to illustrate the birds of the different regions of the world. Whilst most people have heard of John Gould, many do not know that his wife Elizabeth did most of the early drawings and lithographs - and died after giving birth to their eighth child.. By obtaining wealthy subscribers prior to each venture, John Gould was able to publish superb hand-coloured lithographs that have not been surpassed to this day.