Bidspirit auction | Gould, Pattern Plates - 6

Gould, Pattern Plates - 6 Bird Lithographs - Plates from Gould's Birds of Great Britain: Buff-breasted Sandpiper [Tryngites Rufescens] Great Shearwater [Puffinus Major] Arctic Skua [Stercorarius Parasiticus] Description of the work: This remarkable folio lithograph with hand-finished color is from the esteemed John Gould’s Birds of Great Britain . The work was published in London between 1862 and 1873. The plate available here is a pattern plate issued without text. The lithograph was used as an example in the process of publishing for how to color the rest of the plates. It is a unique opportunity to own a part of Gould's publishing process. Birds of Great Britain allowed Gould to cultivate his aesthetic style. He created very appealing compositions often featuring nests and young with the adult species and intricate backgrounds. Gould realized that the artistry would make this work far more intriguing than its predecessor Birds of Europe and thus introduced 750 copies. Birds of Great Britain remains vastly popular today. John Gould created nearly 3000 hand-colored plates of animals in his extensive career. Gould gained much of his knowledge by observation and experience and contributed greatly to scientific knowledge at the time. Gould is believed to have done the original sketches for all of the plates. He utilized many talented artists to help create the finished lithograph including his wife Elizabeth Coxen Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter. Even at the time of publication, Gould’s plates were very expensive and only sold to a small set of subscribers. Due to the limited subscriber list, the plates remain rare and of high value for collectors today. Plates from Birds of Asia : Bearded Tree-Swift [Dendrochelidon Mystaceus] White-breasted Water Hen [Gallinula Phoenicura] Description of the work: This remarkable ornithology lithograph with hand-finished color is from the esteemed John Gould’s ”Birds of Asia” published in London between 1850 and 1883. The plate of Crimson-breasted Partridge is speicifcally a pattern plate without text. Henry Sotheran & Co purchased all of the remaining plates from the Gould estate including the 'pattern plate' presented here. This plate was specifically used as the original reference for Gould's colorist to produce the rest of the work. It is a unique opportunity to own a an important part of the production process of Gould's works.”Birds of Asia”. ”Birds of Asia” featured some of the most vibrant varieties of birds to be found around the world due to the wide reaching natural fauna of the expansive geographical region. The work took thirty-four years to complete and is considered one of Gould’s greatest accomplishments. Trogons, Kingfishers, Sunbirds, Woodpeckers, Pheasants, and Parrots are all featured in the bountiful work. The backgrounds should also be given particular note, as it was clear Gould was especially drawn to the natural flora and delineated the bird’s surroundings with great detail. John Gould created nearly 3000 hand-colored plates of animals in his extensive career. Gould gained much of his knowledge by observation and experience and contributed greatly to scientific knowledge at the time. Gould is believed to have done the original sketches for all of the plates. He utilized many talented artists to help create the finished lithograph including his wife Elizabeth Coxen Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter. Even at the time of publication, Gould’s plates were very expensive and only sold to a small set of subscribers. Due to the limited subscriber list, the plates remain rare and of high value for collectors today. Plate from Birds of Australia Turnstone [Strepsilas Interpres] Description of the work: This hand-colored folio lithograph is from the esteemed John Gould’s Birds of Australia . The work was published in London by Richard and John E. Taylor for the author between 1840 and 1869. Over 300 new species of Australian birds were identified through the production of this work, and it remains one of the most comprehensive works on Australian ornithology. It is believed only 250 sets were printed of this work. The plate available here is a pattern plate issued without text. The lithograph was used as an example in the process of publishing for how to color the rest of the plates. It is a unique opportunity to own a part of Gould's publishing process. John Gould's first work in connection with Australian birds was A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia and the Adjacent Islands . This work likely served as a teaser to drive up subscriptions for the work presented here, Birds of Australia . Both works were considered the height of Elizabeth Gould's artistry as she had begun working with Edward Lear who truly helped enhance her remarkable skill. The production of this work lead to Gould being considered the 'father of Australian ornithology.