Keulemans hand-coloured lithograph. Pitta Caeruleotorques. c1875

by Keulemans, John Gerrard

Keulemans Pitta Caeruleotorques. Antique Print of a Pitta from the Celebes, by Keulemans, exquisitely delineated and superbly coloured by JGK.

Original hand-coloured lithograph by 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).

Keulemans' skill in the art of lithography is 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 Keulemans to move from Brussels to London, the most important centre for publications illustrating birds.

The picture of this lithograph was taken through cellophane so does not reflect the brilliance of the actual image. Excellent condition. Size of plate, is as published: 33 x 25 cm (13 x 10 inches).