Australian Great Warbler. John Gould Cysticola magna lithograph c1848

by Gould, John

Australian Golden-headed Warbler or Rufous-headed Warbler antique print.

Original hand-coloured lithograph by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter for Gould's The Birds of Australia (the finest series ever done on Australian Birds), published in London between 1840 and 1848 by 'The Bird Man', John Gould (1804-1881).

John Gould was a brilliant ornithologist who had a fine eye for detail and devoted his life to the study of birds. By obtaining subscribers for each publication, Gould was able to employ the finest lithographers and closely supervise their work. Gould's artist wife Elizabeth Coxen (1804-1841) was trained in lithography by Edward Lear. Elizabeth Gould came to Australia with her husband, remained in Tasmania with her children, and prepared her husband's sketches for lithographs to be created after their return to London. She lithographed around 600 bird species for her husband's grand works, and died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England from Australia.

This beautiful lithograph is in fine condition except for a tiny mark to left of the image. (This scan does not show the full page. Please email if you would like further pics.) Full size, as issued: 535 x 370 mm (21 x 14.5 inches).