BUFF-BREASTED TRINGA – TRINGA RUFESCENS – BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £195.00
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: 54.0cm x 34.5cm
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 Buff-Breasted Tringa 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. Free of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002011

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 Buff-Breasted Tringa Now Known As The Buff-Breasted Sandpiper: A Short Description:

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis) is a small shorebird known for its distinctive buff-coloured plumage, particularly on the breast, which gives it its name. Here are some key details about this bird:

Identification:

• Plumage: The Buff-breasted Sandpiper has a warm, buff-coloured breast, a pale face with a short, dark bill, and brownish-grey upperparts. Its legs are yellowish to greenish, and its overall appearance is quite delicate compared to other shorebirds.
• Size: It is a medium-sized sandpiper, measuring about 19–22 cm in length, with a wingspan of around 43–47 cm.

Habitat and Range:

• Breeding Habitat: Buff-breasted Sandpipers breed in the open tundra of the Arctic, specifically in Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of Siberia.
• Migration: They are long-distance migrants, traveling from their Arctic breeding grounds to winter in South America’s grasslands, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
• Migration Route: During migration, they are often found in open, grassy habitats rather than the shorelines that other sandpipers prefer. This includes prairies, ploughed fields, and airports.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: They forage in open areas for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, using a method of visually spotting prey and pecking at it on the ground.
• Courtship Display: Males perform an elaborate display during the breeding season, raising their wings to show off their white underwings and fanning their tails.

Conservation:

• The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss in both its breeding and wintering grounds, particularly because of agricultural expansion.

This species stands out because it prefers upland, dry habitats for migration, unlike many other sandpipers that are closely tied to wetlands and shores.

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.