John Gould Little Sandpipers, Schoeniclus Albescens antique print c1848.

by Gould, John

Schoeniclus Australis. Birds of Australia Sandpipers hand-coloured lithograph.

Lithographed by Henry Constantine Richter after the drawing by John Gould for Gould's The Birds of Australia, published in London between 1840 and 1848 (some of the finest illustrations ever done of Australian birds).

John Gould (1804-1881) was a brilliant ornithologist who devoted his life to the study of birds. Before commencing each of his grand publications, Gould obtained subscribers to be able to employ the finest lithographers and closely monitor their beautiful large hand-coloured bird lithographs.

While most people have heard of John Gould (perhaps from the Gould League of Bird Lovers at school), many do not know of the important contribution made by his artist wife Elizabeth (Coxen) Gould (1804-1841), who was coached in lithography by the great bird artist Edward Lear. Elizabeth came to Australia with her husband, and remained with two of their children in Tasmania, where she composed many of the drawings for the hundreds of lithographs that were created after their return to London. Elizabeth Gould completed nearly 600 lithographs for her husband's grand works. Elizabeth Gould died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England.

This lithograph is in good condition. If you would like more pics or information, please email us. The size of the page is as issued, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x  14.5 inches).