Rare Edward Lear Great Egret Hand-Colored Lithograph, John Gould, 1830s

Details

Description

An exceptional antique ornithological lithograph depicting the magnificent Great Egret (Ardea alba), drawn and lithographed by celebrated British artist, illustrator, … Read more An exceptional antique ornithological lithograph depicting the magnificent Great Egret (Ardea alba), drawn and lithographed by celebrated British artist, illustrator, and author Edward Lear (1812–1888) for John Gould’s monumental The Birds of Europe, published in London between 1832 and 1837.

Edward Lear’s Contributions to Ornithological Art

Although internationally beloved for his whimsical illustrations, A Book of Nonsense, and the celebrated poem “The Owl and the Pussy-cat,” Edward Lear began his remarkable career as one of the most accomplished natural history illustrators of the 19th century.

Before achieving literary fame, Lear developed an extraordinary talent for depicting birds with scientific precision, graceful composition, and a distinctive sense of personality. His pioneering work in lithography helped establish the artistic standard for John Gould’s magnificent ornithological publications.

Of the 448 plates published in Gould’s “The Birds of Europe,” approximately 68 were contributed by Lear, making his original illustrations a particularly distinguished subset of this celebrated five-volume work.

The Great Egret

This elegant composition portrays the Great Egret in Lear’s unmistakable naturalistic style, with its elongated neck, finely rendered white plumage, delicate anatomical detailing, and graceful stance within a subtly atmospheric waterside landscape.

The lithograph bears the period inscriptions “E. Lear del et lith.” and “Printed by C. Hullmandel,” identifying Lear as both the original artist and lithographer and Charles Hullmandel’s renowned London lithographic establishment as the printer.

The Great Egret is also one of the most recognizable birds of the South Carolina Lowcountry, frequently seen along the tidal creeks, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands of Hilton Head Island and the surrounding region.

Framing and Provenance

Beautifully presented in substantial, traditional gallery-style framing, featuring a richly layered black mat with multiple fine gold borders, complemented by a warm wood frame with gilt detailing. The sophisticated presentation enhances the lithograph’s restrained palette and architectural elegance.

Acquired from a private Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, estate collection of antique ornithological artwork, which also included historic bird illustrations by John Gould and Jacques Barraband.

The original brown paper backing retains an antique Lyman Bros. framing label from Indianapolis, Indiana, along with handwritten inventory-style notations and the penciled name “H. W. Wood,” possibly identifying an earlier owner or collector.

Of additional historical interest, an accompanying Great Egret species description, bearing the scientific identification Ardea alba and French title Le Héron Aigrette, has been preserved and affixed to the reverse of the framing. The text corresponds to the descriptive material associated with Gould’s original publication, offering valuable insight into the ornithological scholarship of the period.

Condition

Very good antique presentation with scattered age-related foxing and light toning to the lithograph, consistent with its considerable age. Minor spotting or residue is visible beneath the glass in certain lighting, primarily against the black matting. The frame displays minor age-related wear. The original backing, historical framing label, handwritten notations, and accompanying descriptive text have been retained.

A distinguished example of early 19th-century British ornithological illustration, combining Edward Lear’s celebrated artistry, John Gould’s landmark natural history publication, handsome traditional framing, and an especially appealing connection to the coastal birdlife of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Dimensions

Overall framed dimensions: 30.5 inches wide × 23.5 inches high × 0.75 inches deep.

Interior frame dimensions: 28 × 21.5 inches.

Visible mat opening: 20.5 × 13.5 inches.

Bird illustration: approximately 18 × 11 inches.

Professionally framed under glass with layered black and gold matting and a traditional wood and gilt frame. See less