BOOTED EAGLE – AQUILA PENNATA

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £495.00
Publisher: Printed by Hullmandel
Publication Date: 1832-1837
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph heightened with gum arabic
Condition: Very good indeed, bright copy with good margins
Sheet Size: 54.9cm x 37.2cm
Series: From ‘The Birds of Europe’

This exquisite original hand-coloured lithograph from John and Elizabeth Gould’s magnificent work, ‘The Birds of Europe,’ produced between 1832 and 1837, showcases the Booted Eagle in stunning detail. The artwork exhibits the meticulous detail and vibrant use of colour that define the Goulds’ lithographs, making it a desirable piece for both art collectors and ornithological enthusiasts. Drawn from life, it reflects the Goulds’ commitment to scientific accuracy combined with artistic elegance. Minor age toning and paper-handling. With a very, very, minor amount of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002156

The Story:

John Gould was an English ornithologist and bird artist. He and his wife, Elizabeth Gould, worked closely together to produce some of the most comprehensive and stunning ornithological works of the 19th century. Elizabeth, an accomplished artist, transferred many of John’s sketches into the lithographic prints that were then hand-coloured under her supervision. This piece not only captures the essence of the birds’ characteristics but also stands as a testament to the Goulds’ significant contributions to both art and science.

Condition Details:

• Overall Condition: Shows slight age toning and handling marks.
• Visual Appeal: Bright and vibrant colours, enhanced with gum arabic.
• Margins: Well-preserved with good margins, indicating careful handling over the years.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Part of John and Elizabeth Gould’s ‘The Birds of Europe,’ known for its scientific and artistic merit.
• Collector’s Item: Rare especially in such good condition.
• Artistic Detail: Demonstrates high-quality lithographic work and hand-colouring skills synonymous with John and Elizabeth Gould.

The Booted Eagle: A Short Description

The Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata), also known as Hieraaetus pennatus, is a small to medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. This eagle is notable for its versatile hunting abilities and its adaptability to a variety of habitats. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The booted eagle is relatively small for an eagle, measuring about 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) in length with a wingspan of 110–135 cm (43–53 inches). It typically weighs between 500 to 1,200 grams (1.1 to 2.6 pounds), with females generally being larger than males.
• Plumage:
  • The booted eagle comes in two distinct colour morphs: light morph and dark morph.
    • Light Morph: In this variant, the bird has a pale cream or buff-coloured underpart with darker flight feathers. The upperparts are brown, and it has a characteristic black trailing edge on the wings. The head is also pale, and the legs are feathered, giving the appearance of “boots,” hence the name.
    • Dark Morph: In this morph, the bird is generally darker, with dark brown underparts and upperparts. The flight feathers are darker as well, though the bird still retains the contrasting black and white pattern on the wings.
  • Both morphs have yellow eyes, a sharp, hooked beak, and feathered legs, which are key identifiers for the species.

Habitat:

• The booted eagle is a highly adaptable bird, inhabiting a wide range of environments, including woodlands, open forests, savannas, and even semi-deserts.
• It prefers areas with a mix of open spaces for hunting and trees for nesting.
• The species is found across a broad range, from southern Europe and North Africa to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Behaviour:

• Hunting: The booted eagle is an agile and powerful hunter.
  • It primarily feeds on small to medium-sized birds, such as pigeons and songbirds, but it also preys on mammals like rabbits and rodents.
  • It hunts by soaring at considerable heights before diving onto its prey, which it captures with its strong talons.
  • This eagle is known for its speed and precision in capturing prey, often surprising its targets with sudden attacks.
• Breeding:
  • Booted eagles are monogamous and typically breed once a year.
  • They build a nest, usually in a tree, made of sticks and lined with softer materials.
  • The female lays 1 to 2 eggs, which are incubated for about 35–40 days.
  • Both parents take part in feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 50–55 days.

Conservation Status:

• The booted eagle is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
• Despite being relatively common and widespread, the species faces threats from habitat destruction, particularly due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. However, it has shown resilience by adapting to changing environments.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Central Asia.
• Wintering Range: Many populations are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
• Resident Populations: Some populations in warmer regions, such as in southern Asia, may be resident or partially migratory.

Vocalisation:

• The booted eagle is not especially vocal outside of the breeding season, but during courtship or when defending its territory, it emits a series of high-pitched, shrill calls, often described as “klee-klee-klee.”

The booted eagle is admired for its versatility and adaptability, capable of thriving in a wide range of environments. Its impressive hunting skills and distinct plumage make it a favourite among birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Why Collect This Lithograph?

Owning this lithograph means possessing a piece of ornithological and art history. Its blend of scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty makes it a worthy addition to any collection of fine art or historical prints.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare lithographs is meticulously curated to ensure that each piece is both a valuable and authentic addition to your collection. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every lithograph is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We select each piece with an eye for historical significance, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of original hand-coloured lithographs by John and Elizabeth Gould. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.