John Gould Sittella leucocephala, Australian White-headed Sittella lithograph, c1840.

by Gould, John

John Gould antique print. Australian White-headed Nuthatch or White-headed Barkpecker.

Original hand-coloured lithograph by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter for Gould's The Birds of Australia, published in London between 1840 and 1848. Some of the finest illustrations ever done of Australian birds - this one is delightful.

John Gould (1804-1881) was a brilliant ornithologist who had a fine eye for detail, employed the best lithographers, and closely monitored their work. An astute business man, Gould obtained subscribers before commencing each of his grand publications that were illustrated with large and beautiful hand-coloured bird lithographs. While most 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 learnt lithography from 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 would be done on their return to London - around 600 by herself! Elizabeth Gould died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England.

This lovely lithograph has a few tiny spots towards top, and light 'burn-mark' from previous wood-pulp framing (which would not show if framed judiciously. Price much reduced. If you would like more pics or information, please ask. The size of the page is as issued, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x  14.5 inches).