Ardea Cinerea Linn – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Grey Heron – 1862-1873

Original hand-coloured lithograph from The Birds of Great Britain. London: Published by John Gould, [1862–1873].

A magnificent original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 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.

One of the most visually striking compositions from Gould’s Birds of Great Britain, the plate combines the elegance of the adult heron with a lively and beautifully observed group of nesting chicks below. Richter’s exceptional skill is evident throughout, particularly in the intricate feather detail, nest structure, and subtle tonal modelling.

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

Plate captioned “ARDEA CINEREA, Linn.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 55.2 x 37.5 cm. Includes original sheet of accompanying text.

Condition: Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Very small nick to top right-hand corner. Mild age toning, spotting and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely example with fresh original hand-colouring and strong decorative appeal.

A particularly desirable Gould plate in lovely bright condition.

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.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and as long-established specialists in fine books, maps, prints and ephemera, Hornseys maintains full professional membership of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA). The PBFA is one of the most respected trade bodies in the rare and antiquarian book world, with strict standards of expertise, authenticity and ethical trading. Our verified member listing can be viewed here: Hornseys – PBFA Member Profile.