John Gould Dusky Honey-eater, Glyciphila subfasciata lithograph c1880.

by Gould, John

Dusky Honeyeater with Leptospermum, charming antique print c1880.

Original hand-coloured lithograph from John Gould's The Birds of New Guinea and the adjacent Papuan Islands, including many new species recently discovered in Australia, published in London between 1875 and 1888. This is a very pretty John Gould lithograph with beautiful original hand-colour.

Known as 'The Bird Man', John Gould (1804-1881) was a brilliant ornithologist who devoted his life to the study of birds, Gould had a fine eye for detail and knew his limitations as an artist, so employed the finest lithographers and closely monitored their work. He was also an astute business man and obtained subscribers to each of his grand publications to assist with his finances. After Gould's death, publication of his final works were completed by Gould's friend, fellow ornithologist Richard Bowdler-Sharpe who was then in charge of the bird collection at the British Museum.

This original antique prints is in good condition except for faint line from previous non-conservation framing matt. This is easily masked by fresh framing mount. The size, as published, is  535 x 370 mm (21 x 14.5 inches).