DOUBTFUL SPARROW – PYRGITA PETRONIA – ROCK SPARROW – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £95.00
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: 54.9cm x 37.2cm
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 Doubtful Sparrow 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 and paper-handling. With the usual textual off-setting. A good, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002172

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 Doubtful Sparrow Now Known As The Rock Sparrow: A Short Description:

The Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia) is a species of sparrow-like bird found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is notable for its preference for rocky habitats, such as cliffs, stony hillsides, and rural areas with plenty of stones or buildings where it can nest.

Key Characteristics:

• Plumage: The Rock Sparrow has a generally streaked brown and buff appearance, with a pale, un-streaked belly and a distinctive yellow throat patch. Its head is striped with a brown crown and pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe). This makes it blend well with its rocky surroundings.
• Size: It is a medium-sized sparrow, about 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length.
• Bill: Like other seed-eating birds, it has a strong, conical bill, perfect for cracking seeds, its primary food.

Habitat:

• Breeding Habitat: Rock Sparrows nest in rocky outcrops, crevices, and even buildings with stone structures. They are found in rural, often dry areas with plenty of rocks and cliffs. During the breeding season, they can be found at higher elevations.
• Range: The species is widespread across southern Europe (from Spain to Turkey), North Africa, and into central Asia. It does not usually migrate, though some local movements may occur based on food availability.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: Rock Sparrows primarily feed on seeds but will also eat insects, especially during the breeding season. They forage on the ground in rocky or open areas.
• Breeding: They typically nest in colonies and are known to use crevices in rocks or human structures. They lay 3–6 eggs in a nest built from grasses and feathers.

Conservation:

The Rock Sparrow is not considered globally threatened and has a stable population in its range. Its ability to nest in both natural and human-made structures has helped it adapt to various environments.

Overall, the Rock Sparrow is a hardy species, well-suited to life in rocky, open landscapes where it can forage for seeds and insects while taking advantage of crevices for nesting.

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.