CINEREOUS SHEARWATER – PUFFINUS CINEREUS

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £125.00
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: 54cm 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 Cinereous Shearwater 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. Minor textual off-setting as usual. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins to the top and sides but close-cropped to the lower margin. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002118

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.

Cinereous Shearwater: A Short Description

The Cinereous Shearwater (Ardenna bulleri), also known as Buller’s Shearwater, is a medium-sized seabird renowned for its graceful flight and distinctive appearance. This species belongs to the family Procellariidae, which includes other shearwaters and petrels. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The Cinereous Shearwater measures approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 97–105 cm (38–41 inches). It typically weighs between 350 to 450 grams (12 to 16 ounces).
• Plumage:
  • Upperparts: The bird is characterised by its striking grey upperparts, with a darker cap that contrasts with its paler face. The back and wings are also grey, with a distinctive “M” pattern formed by the wings when viewed from above.
  • Underparts: The underparts are white, creating a sharp contrast with the darker upper surfaces. The underwing is white with dark edges, a key identification feature in flight.
  • Bill and Legs: The Cinereous Shearwater has a slender, dark bill that is slightly hooked at the tip, ideal for catching its prey. Its legs and feet are pale blue-grey, which are often not visible in flight.

Habitat:

• Breeding Habitat: The Cinereous Shearwater is known to breed on a few islands, notably the Poor Knights Islands and other small islets off the coast of New Zealand. It prefers steep, forested islands where it can nest in burrows or crevices.
• Marine Habitat: Outside the breeding season, this species is pelagic, meaning it spends most of its life at sea, often far from land. It is typically found in the temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Southern Hemisphere up to the North Pacific.

Behaviour:

• Feeding:
  • The Cinereous Shearwater primarily feeds on small fish, squid, and other marine invertebrates. It forages by surface seizing, where it skims the water’s surface, or by plunge-diving, where it briefly dives to catch prey.
  • This shearwater is often seen feeding in large flocks, sometimes in association with other seabirds, and it may follow fishing vessels to scavenge discarded by-catch.
• Flight:
  • Known for its long, gliding flights, the Cinereous Shearwater exhibits a characteristic “shearing” flight pattern, where it dips and glides along the wave fronts, rarely flapping its wings. This flight behaviour is highly energy-efficient and allows it to cover vast distances over the ocean.

Breeding:

• Nesting: The species nests in colonies, often digging burrows in soft soil or using natural crevices. The nesting sites are usually on steep slopes or in dense forests, providing protection from predators.
• Reproduction: The female lays a single egg, which is incubated by both parents for about 50–55 days. After hatching, the chick is fed regurgitated food by both parents until it fledges after approximately 90 days.

Conservation Status:

• The Cinereous Shearwater is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to its restricted breeding range and threats from introduced predators on its breeding islands. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and controlling invasive species.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: Endemic to New Zealand, particularly on the Poor Knights Islands and nearby islets.
• Non-Breeding Range: During the non-breeding season, the Cinereous Shearwater migrates across the Pacific Ocean, reaching as far north as the waters off Japan and the west coast of North America.

Vocalisation:

• The Cinereous Shearwater is generally silent at sea but becomes vocal at the breeding colonies, where it emits a variety of crooning and cooing calls, especially at night when returning to the nest.

The Cinereous Shearwater is admired for its elegant flight and the significant journeys it undertakes across the Pacific. Its vulnerability on the breeding grounds highlights the importance of conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this remarkable seabird.

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.