Lear Psittacus Erythacus, West African Grey Parrot c1836

by Lear, Edward

Ash-coloured Parrot antique print. Lizars engraving after Lear.

Fine original hand-coloured steel engraving by Edinburgh engraver-publisher, William Home Lizars (1788-1859), after a drawing by Edward Lear for Prideaux John Selby's Parrots published for Jardine's Naturalist's Library c1836. Sir William Jardine (1800-1847) was a Scottish naturalist who employed eminent naturalists to contribute information and illustrations on their subjects. Lizars engraved a small striking portrait of each, with the subject handcoloured and the background left uncoloured - a perfect combination of science and art.

Edward Lear (1812-1888) worked as a scientific artist for the Zoological Society in London. He was the first eminent artist to draw fauna from life rather than stuffed skins. Between 1830 and 1832 Lear painted and lithographed parrots for his publication, Illustrations of the family Psittacidae, or Parrots - which resulted in his being elected an associate of the Linnaean Society. Lear's mastery of lithography is evident in his instruction and coaching of John Gould's artist wife, Elizabeth Gould, in lithography - and in both Edward Lear and Elizabeth Gould's lithographs inclusion in John Gould's grand publications. As he became frustrated by failing eyesight in his latter years, Edward Lear apparently said that if there was such a thing as reincarnation he would surely return as a parrot.  

This page is nearly 200 years old and is slightly age-discoloured. Size approximately 17 x 10cm (6.6 x 4 inches)