Whitely’s Hummingbird (Ionolaema whitleyana)

• Price: $1,100.00
  

  SKU: 101291

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• ARTIST: John Gould

• MEDIUM: Lithograph handcolored,

  DATE: 1849-87.

• EDITION SIZE: Average paper size 21 x 14" (53.4 x 35.4 cm).

• DESCRIPTION: John Gould's "A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds" spans 6 volumes in large folio format and was published in London from 1849 to 1887. This monumental work, printed by Hullmandel and Walter from drawings by Gould, H.C. Richter, and William Hart, is highly prized for its exquisite hand-colored lithographs. Gould, a renowned British ornithological artist, curated an unparalleled collection of bird prints, showcasing species ranging from the Himalayas to New Guinea.<br><br> Gould's hummingbirds are celebrated for their lavish botanical backgrounds and the use of iridescent paints, capturing the birds in stunning detail within their natural habitats. Over nearly five decades, from 1832 to 1881, Gould embarked on extensive travels in pursuit of new specimens, often personally contributing to the scientific texts. Assisted by talented artists such as his wife Elizabeth, Edward Lear, Henry C. Richter, Josef Wolf, and William Hart, Gould's work exemplifies excellence in ornithological art.<br><br> The depicted bird, Iolaema whiteleyana, discovered by Mr. Henry Whitely in Cuzco, Peru, in August 1871, showcases Gould's meticulous artistry. Rendered with vibrant grass-green plumage and a distinct violet gorget on its throat, the male of this species is captured with remarkable precision. Notable for its rarity and elusive nature, the Iolæma whiteleyana frequents flowering plants atop the tallest trees within forest depths, darting from flower to flower with extraordinary rapidity.<br><br> Taken from Gould's magnum opus, "A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds," this piece features among his most coveted plates, distinguished by its intricate detailing and lifelike representation. <br><br>

• ADDITIONAL INFO:

• CONDITION: The lithograph is in good condition, displaying vibrant colors despite its age. The paper tone is consistent with its age. There is a mild fingerprint mark present at the top left and a small circular stain near the lower left margin. While noticeable upon close inspection, these marks are not distracting and can easily be concealed by matting when the artwork is framed.

• REFERENCE:

• CATEGORIES: 18th-19th Century Subjects , do not use Natural History: 18-19th Century , Birds