Bubulcus Russatus – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Cattle Egret – 1862-1873

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

A beautiful original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus Russatus) standing within a marsh landscape, accompanied by additional egrets in the background. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose celebrated collaboration produced some of the finest ornithological plates of the Victorian era.

This particularly elegant composition demonstrates Gould’s remarkable ability to combine scientific observation with refined decorative sensibility. Richter’s treatment of plumage is exceptionally delicate, especially within the soft pink suffusions to the crest, breast, and mantle, which contrast beautifully against the luminous white body plumage. The subtle atmospheric handling of the marsh setting and reflective water further enhance the plate’s painterly quality.

The plate originates from Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, issued in twenty-five parts between 1862 and 1873 and widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of nineteenth-century natural history illustration. Combining scientific accuracy with extraordinary visual sophistication, the work remains among the defining Victorian colour-plate books.

The Cattle Egret was regarded as an unusual and exotic species within nineteenth-century British ornithology, its rarity lending particular fascination to Gould’s depiction. The composition emphasises both the graceful elegance of the bird and the tranquil wetland habitat in which it is placed.

Plate captioned “BUBULCUS RUSSATUS.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 54.4 x 36.3 cm.

Condition: Very good indeed. Mild age toning and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely 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.

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