Keulemans Mallard Duck. Delightful little lithograph c1875 (8-ply mount)

by Keulemans, John Gerrard

Very pretty little Duck antique print c1875 by John Gerrard Keulemans - signed JGK on lithographic plate.

Original hand-coloured lithograph by T. Walter after a drawing of Anas Boscha, the Mallard Duck, by the eminent bird illustrator and naturalist John Gerrard Keulemans (1842-1912) for Ornithological Miscellany published in London between 1875 and 1878 by George Dawson Rowley (1822-1878). Although it is not native to this part of the world, this beautiful and popular duck was introduced to both Australia and New Zealand.

Keulemans' skillful observation and artistic ability are evident in his hand-coloured lithographs for this rarely-seen publication. In 1869 fellow ornithologist and colleague of John Gould, Richard Bowdler-Sharp persuaded the well-travelled Dutchman JG Keulemans to move from Brussels to London, the most important centre for publications illustrating birds. Keulemans lithographs are considered some of the finest bird illustrations ever done. Keulemans illustrations have a sensitivity of execution that exceeds the ability of other bird illustrators.

This is a half-page lithograph which has been mounted in a superb 8-ply 'antique-white' conservation mount (ready for glass and frame). With double the normal 4-ply matt-board, the window has greater deapth and gives greater impact to the image.
Window measures 11.5cm x 16.5cm (4.5 x 6.5 inches). External mount size (for frame) is 27.5cm x 32.5cm (10 7/8 x 12 3/4 inches).