Ampelis Garrulus – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Waxwing – 1862-1873

A superb original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting Waxwings (Ampelis garrulus) with nesting young amongst pine branches. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose collaboration produced some of the finest ornithological illustrations of the Victorian period.

Among the most elegant and decorative compositions from Gould’s Birds of Great Britain, the plate combines the refined colouring of the adult Waxwings with a beautifully observed nesting scene above. Richter’s exceptional skill is evident throughout, particularly in the delicate feather textures, subtle tonal modelling, and the vivid flashes of yellow, red, black, and white plumage that make the species one of the most visually distinctive European birds.

The carefully balanced composition, together with the intricate treatment of the nest, pine foliage, and juvenile birds, gives the plate both intimacy and strong decorative appeal. Waxwings held particular fascination for nineteenth-century ornithologists owing to their irregular winter appearances in Britain and their reputation as one of Europe’s most striking passerines.

Produced for Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, issued between 1862 and 1873, the lithograph forms part of one of the defining achievements of Victorian natural history publishing. Gould’s folio bird books united scientific observation with extraordinary artistic sophistication and remain among the most celebrated colour-plate works of the nineteenth century.

Plate captioned “AMPELIS GARRULUS.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 55.3 x 38.7 cm.

Condition: Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Mild age toning, spotting and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely un-faded example with fresh original hand-colouring and strong decorative appeal.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys, Ripon

Daniel Hornsey, a partner of Hornseys in Ripon, is widely regarded as a trusted specialist in the field of rare and second-hand books. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys, an established independent bookshop and gallery, is known for its careful curation and its emphasis on quality. Under Daniel Hornsey’s guidance, the shop has become a respected destination for collectors seeking rare, well-preserved, and accurately described volumes. Collectors value his transparency, his attention to detail, and his commitment to presenting books exactly as they are, without exaggeration. This reliability is essential in a field where subtle differences in condition or printing can dramatically influence desirability and value.

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