5487 - Gould - Coppery-Bellied Puffleg Hummingbird

Gould - Coppery-Bellied Puffleg Hummingbird Description of the work: This remarkable ornithology lithograph with hand-finished color is from the esteemed John Gould’s Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Hummingbirds. The work was published in London between 1849 an 1887. Family of Hummingbirds undoubtedly featured some of Gould’s most desired plates. The birds are also featured amidst intricately drawn fauna that accentuates the beauty of the composition. 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. Paper Size: ~ 14 7/8 by 22" Paper Type or Special Features: Lithograph with Original Hand-finished Coloring and Iridescence Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be some faint text offset on some of the plates from the work. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.