THE PROPERTY OF A NOBLEMAN
GOULD, John (1804-1881). The Birds of Europe. London: printed by Richard and John E. Taylor, published by the Author, [1832]-1837.
Details
GOULD, John (1804-1881). The Birds of Europe. London: printed by Richard and John E. Taylor, published by the Author, [1832]-1837.
5 volumes, large 2° (542 x 365mm). 448 hand-coloured lithographic plates by Edward Lear and Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by the author. (Some light spotting to about 29 plates, 3 more heavily spotted, small pieces of paper adhering to surface of plate number 400, light vertical crease to plate 67 and text leaves accompanying plates 190 and 429, occasional very light offsetting of text onto plates.) Contemporary green morocco, covers with elaborate rococo border in gilt and blind, spine gilt, g.e., by HERING (slight darkening of spines).
A FINE COPY OF GOULD'S SECOND WORK. 68 of the plates are signed by Lear, but his artistic influence is evident in many of Elizabeth Gould's illustrations: "Like an ornithological Michelangelo he [i.e.Lear]... encouraged movement, vigour, and a sense of character in her birds; he instilled an idea of composition in which the subject related to its background... He introduced a sense of subtlety and freedom into her drawings where previously she had only mimicked the technique applied to etchings or engraving. There is no doubt that Edward Lear was the first person to understand the art of lithography, and to use it to its fullest potential." (Isabella Tree. The Ruling Passion of John Gould London, 1991, p.43). Nissen IVB 371; Anker 169; Fine Bird Books p.77; Wood p.364; Zimmer p.251; Sauer 2. (5)
5 volumes, large 2° (542 x 365mm). 448 hand-coloured lithographic plates by Edward Lear and Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by the author. (Some light spotting to about 29 plates, 3 more heavily spotted, small pieces of paper adhering to surface of plate number 400, light vertical crease to plate 67 and text leaves accompanying plates 190 and 429, occasional very light offsetting of text onto plates.) Contemporary green morocco, covers with elaborate rococo border in gilt and blind, spine gilt, g.e., by HERING (slight darkening of spines).
A FINE COPY OF GOULD'S SECOND WORK. 68 of the plates are signed by Lear, but his artistic influence is evident in many of Elizabeth Gould's illustrations: "Like an ornithological Michelangelo he [i.e.Lear]... encouraged movement, vigour, and a sense of character in her birds; he instilled an idea of composition in which the subject related to its background... He introduced a sense of subtlety and freedom into her drawings where previously she had only mimicked the technique applied to etchings or engraving. There is no doubt that Edward Lear was the first person to understand the art of lithography, and to use it to its fullest potential." (Isabella Tree. The Ruling Passion of John Gould London, 1991, p.43). Nissen IVB 371; Anker 169; Fine Bird Books p.77; Wood p.364; Zimmer p.251; Sauer 2. (5)