Climacteris melanura, Australian Black-tailed Tree-creeper John Gould lithograph c1845.

by Gould, John

John Gould Treecreeper antique print. Original hand-coloured lithograph by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter for Gould's The Birds of Australia, published in London between 1840 and 1848. These are some of the best illustrations ever done of Australian Birds.

John Gould (1804-1881) was a brilliant ornithologist who devoted his life to the study of birds. He obtained subscribers to finance superb hand-coloured bird lithographs for his grand publication. Gould had a fine eye for detail, employed the best lithographers, and closely monitored their work.

While most people have heard of John Gould (perhaps from the Gould League of Bird Lovers at school), many do not know of the important contribution made by his artist wife Elizabeth (Coxen) Gould (1804-1841), who was coached in lithography by the great bird artist Edward Lear. Elizabeth came to Australia with her husband, and remained with two of their children in Tasmania, while she worked on the sketches of birds and their habitats that her husband sent from around Australia. Lithographs from their sketches were done after their return to London. Elizabeth Gould completed nearly 600 lithographs, and died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England.

This fine lithograph is in good condition except for faint discolouration line from the edge of a previous mount. This should not show when framed. Price reduced in recognition of condition. If you would like more pics or information, please email. The size of the page is as issued, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x 14.5 inches).