Pair of Antique John Gould & h.c. Richter Hand-Colored Bird Lithographs 19th C, Framed

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Pair of Antique John Gould & H.C. Richter Hand-Colored Bird Lithographs – Birds of Asia (1850–1883)

This rare matched pair … Read more Pair of Antique John Gould & H.C. Richter Hand-Colored Bird Lithographs – Birds of Asia (1850–1883)

This rare matched pair of original 19th-century hand-colored lithographs by celebrated ornithologist and artist John Gould (1804–1881), with lithography by H.C. Richter, comes from Gould’s monumental work Birds of Asia (1850–1883), comprising 530 plates. Each print is from the original first edition, not a later reproduction, and showcases the precision, artistry, and scientific accuracy for which Gould’s works are renowned.

Subjects:

Psarisomus dalhousiae (Long-tailed Broadbill) – From Volume I of Birds of Asia, printed by Hullmandel & Walton. The long-tailed broadbill is a striking forest bird found from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, distinguished by its vivid yellow throat and blue-green plumage.

Pitta schwaneri (Bornean Banded Pitta) – Printed by Walter & Cohn. Native to Borneo, this brilliantly patterned species features a black crown, bold yellow eyebrow, indigo belly patch, and finely barred underparts.

Details:

Artists: John Gould (artist/ornithologist) & H.C. Richter (artist/lithographer)

Medium: Original hand-colored lithographs on paper

Period: 1850–1883 (first edition)

Printing Houses: Hullmandel & Walton; Walter & Cohn

Framing: Double matting (tan with green inner edge) in distressed Carved Custom Wood frames with a luxurious distressed finish with tones of red and natural wood showing through with white wash, and light blue color in the center ridge. Lithographs are protected behind glass.

Dimensions: Frames – 20.5″ W × 26″ H × 1.5″ D; Image – 12″ W × 18.75″ H

Condition: Very good antique condition; colors remain vibrant, light age toning and a few age spots commensurate with age, frames in good condition, stunning presentation protected behind uv glass.

John Gould’s Birds of Asia is among the most celebrated ornithological publications of the 19th century, admired for its blend of scientific documentation and artistic elegance. Works from this series are held in major natural history and art institutions worldwide. See less