John Gould Sandpipers, Schoeniclus Australis antique print c1848.

by Gould, John

Gould, Birds of Australia, Little Sandpipers hand-coloured lithograph c1848 by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter.
Some of the finest illustrations ever done of Australian Birds - published in London between 1840 and 1848.

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 large and beautiful 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 would be done on their return to London. She herself completed nearly 600 lithographs. 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 of information, please ask. The size of the page is as issued, 535 mm x 370 mm (21 inches x  14.5 inches).