John Gould White-throated Honey-eater, Entomophila Albogularis lithograph c1848

by Gould, John

John Gould Entomophila albogularis with young in nest. White-throated Honeyeater antique print c1848.

Original hand-coloured lithograph by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter for Gould's “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 devoted his life to the study of birds. He had a fine eye for detail and knew his limitations as an artist, so he employed the finest lithographers of the day and closely monitored their work. Whilst most people have heard of John Gould, many are unaware that his artist wife Elizabeth (Coxen) Gould (1804-1841) had been taught 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 beautiful Gould lithographs. After completing around 600 lithographs, Elizabeth died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England.

In good condition except for a foxing spot after the title at the base. Full size as published, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x  14.5 inches).