Corvus Corone Linn – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Carrion Crow – 1862-1873

A striking original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) with juvenile beside a recently killed rabbit amidst grasses and wildflowers. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose collaboration produced some of the most artistically accomplished ornithological plates of the Victorian era.

This particularly dramatic composition exemplifies Gould’s ability to combine scientific observation with theatrical naturalism. Richter’s treatment of the glossy black plumage is exceptionally refined, with subtle tonal gradations and feather detail conveying both texture and movement. The inclusion of prey and landscape elements creates an unusually narrative composition, reflecting Victorian interest in predator behaviour and the realities of rural natural history.

The plate originates from Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, issued in twenty-five parts between 1862 and 1873, widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of nineteenth-century ornithological illustration. Produced using lithography and finished by hand-colouring, the work combined scientific precision with extraordinary decorative appeal.

The Carrion Crow occupied an important place in nineteenth-century British natural history and folklore, frequently associated with intelligence, adaptability, and the darker aspects of the rural landscape. Gould’s rendering remains one of the finest visual interpretations of the species produced during the Victorian period.

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

Condition: Minor chip to right hand margin. Very short closed tear to lower margin. Old framer’s tabs verso. Minor age toning and light marginal handling marks; colours rich and fresh. 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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