Corvus Corax Linn – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Raven – 1862-1873

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

A superb original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Raven (Corvus corax) perched amongst pine branches, holding a cone delicately within its beak. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose collaboration produced some of the most visually sophisticated ornithological plates of the Victorian period.

Printed on fine folio paper and finished by hand-colouring in the Gould workshop, the plate displays remarkable tonal subtlety, particularly within the deep iridescent blacks and blue-black feathering of the Raven. Richter’s treatment of texture and plumage is especially accomplished here, capturing both the intelligence and imposing physical presence traditionally associated with the species. The atmospheric background and carefully observed botanical details further exemplify the artistic refinement that distinguishes Gould’s finest productions.

Originally issued as part of Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, published in twenty-five parts between 1862 and 1873, this plate belongs to one of the greatest achievements of Victorian ornithological illustration. The work combined scientific accuracy with exceptional artistic quality and remains among the most celebrated colour-plate books of the nineteenth century.

The Raven held a particular fascination within Victorian natural history, folklore, and literature, long associated with mythology, wilderness, and foreboding intelligence. Gould’s interpretation remains one of the most iconic nineteenth-century visual representations of the species.

Plate captioned “CORVUS CORAX, Linn.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 55 x 36.5 cm.

Condition: Very minor loss to top left hand corner. Mild age toning and minor marginal handling marks; colours fresh and strong. A highly decorative and increasingly sought-after Gould bird plate. In very good indeed condition overall.

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.

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