John Gould Petroica superciliosa, Australian White-eyebrowed Robin lithograph c1848

$600.00

John Gould original lithograph of Australian White-eyebrowed Robin, Petroica superciliosa antique print. 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, Gould had a fine eye for detail and knew his limitations as an artist. Also a very successful businessman, Gould employed the finest lithographers of the day and closely monitored their work. He was also an astute businessman, and obtained subscribers to his magnificent works, to be able to afford publication. Gould's artist wife Elizabeth Coxen (1804-1841) was trained in lithography by Edward Lear. Elizabeth Gould came to Australia with her husband, remained in Tasmania with her children and her sister-in-law, drew many of the birds, and lithographed around 600 bird species for her husband's grand works. She died at the age of 37, following the birth of their eighth child after their return to England from Australia.

This is an original John Gould antique print is in fine condition except for foxing spot at upper left (and price reduced accordingly). Size is 535 x 370mm (21 x 14.5 inches), as published.