Falcinellus Igneus – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Glossy Ibis – 1862-1873

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

A magnificent original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Glossy Ibis (Falcinellus igneus) standing in shallow marshland, accompanied by additional ibises feeding within an expansive wetland landscape. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose partnership produced some of the most celebrated ornithological illustrations of the Victorian era.

This exceptionally elegant composition captures the unusual form and iridescent plumage of the Glossy Ibis with remarkable delicacy and technical sophistication. Richter’s subtle treatment of colour is particularly striking, with rich chestnut, bronze, violet, and green tonalities carefully heightened to evoke the metallic sheen characteristic of the species. The additional feeding birds and reflective marsh setting create an unusually atmospheric and painterly composition, demonstrating Gould’s ability to combine scientific observation with aesthetic refinement.

The plate originates from Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, issued in twenty-five parts between 1862 and 1873 and widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of nineteenth-century natural history publishing. Combining scientific precision with decorative brilliance, the work remains among the most important Victorian colour-plate books.

The Glossy Ibis held particular fascination for nineteenth-century ornithologists owing to its rarity and irregular appearances within Britain. Gould’s treatment emphasises both the exotic elegance of the species and its wetland habitat, producing one of the most aesthetically refined plates in the series.

Plate captioned “FALCINELLUS IGNEUS.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 53.5 x 35.6 cm.

Condition: Very good indeed. Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Mild age toning and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely example with fresh original hand-colouring and strong decorative appeal.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys, Ripon

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