FIRE CRESTED WREN – REGULUS IGNICAPILLA – FIRECREST – GOLDEN CRESTED WREN – REGULUS VULGARIS – GOLDCREST – REGULUS REGULUS – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £145.00
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 Fire Crested Wren and the Golden Crested Wren 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 a very, very, minor amount of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002167

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 Firecrest: A Short Description

The Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) is a small, brightly coloured bird belonging to the family Regulidae (kinglets). It is closely related to the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) but is distinguished by its more vibrant head markings and slightly different habitat preferences. The Firecrest is one of the smallest birds in Europe and is known for its lively behaviour and striking plumage.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: The Firecrest is about 9 cm (3.5 inches) long, similar to the Goldcrest, with a wingspan of 13-16 cm (5-6 inches). It weighs around 4-7 grams.
• Plumage:
  • It has olive-green upperparts and pale underparts.
  • The Firecrest is known for its fiery orange or yellow crown stripe, bordered by black. This “fire” on its head gives it its name.
  • It also has a bold white supercilium (eyebrow stripe) above a black eye stripe, giving its face a more vivid and contrasted appearance compared to the Goldcrest.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically have a more orange-toned crest, while females have a yellow crest.

Habitat and Range:

• Habitat: The Firecrest prefers mixed and deciduous woodlands, particularly areas with dense undergrowth. It is also found in coniferous forests, though not as commonly as the Goldcrest. It can also inhabit parks and gardens with suitable trees and bushes.
• Range: The Firecrest is widespread across much of Europe, including southern Britain, France, Spain, Italy, and as far east as the Caucasus. Some populations are sedentary, while others are migratory, moving south in the winter.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: Firecrests feed primarily on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, which they pick from the foliage of trees. They are very active foragers, often seen flitting and hovering while searching for food.
• Breeding: The female builds a small, cup-shaped nest, usually in dense shrubs or trees. She lays between 7 and 12 eggs, and both parents are involved in feeding the young. Firecrests typically raise two broods per year.
• Vocalisations: The Firecrest has a high-pitched song that is somewhat similar to that of the Goldcrest but more varied, consisting of rapid, high-pitched “zee-zee-zee” notes.

Conservation Status:

The Firecrest is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is stable and widespread, although habitat loss in some areas could pose challenges in the future. Firecrests have expanded their range in recent years and are often found in more temperate regions than before.

Notable Facts:

• The Firecrest and the Goldcrest are often confused due to their similar size and shape, but the Firecrest’s more vibrant head markings (especially the white supercilium and black eye stripe) help distinguish it.
• Despite their tiny size, Firecrests are hardy birds, capable of surviving cold winters by being active foragers.

In summary, the Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) is a small, vibrant bird known for its fiery crown and striking face markings. It is an active and hardy species found across much of Europe and is closely related to the Goldcrest, though it is distinguished by its brighter plumage and slightly different habitat preferences.

The Goldcrest: A Short Description

The Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is the smallest bird species in Europe, often referred to as the “King of birds” due to its striking crown. It belongs to the family Regulidae and is closely related to the Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla). Despite its tiny size, the Goldcrest is hardy and widespread across much of Europe and parts of Asia.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: The Goldcrest is a very small bird, measuring only 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of about 13–16 cm (5–6 inches). It typically weighs just 5–7 grams.
• Plumage: The Goldcrest has olive-green upperparts and paler underparts. Its most distinguishing feature is the bright yellow or orange crest on the crown of its head, bordered by black. Males have a more orange crest, while females typically have a yellow crest.
• Bill: It has a short, thin bill, perfectly suited for picking out insects and spiders from the foliage of trees.

Habitat and Range:

• Habitat: Goldcrests are commonly found in coniferous forests, especially those dominated by spruce, fir, and pine. They also inhabit mixed and deciduous forests and sometimes urban parks and gardens. They are especially fond of dense coniferous stands, where they forage actively.
• Range: The Goldcrest is found across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Japan. It is a partial migrant, with some populations in northern and eastern Europe moving south during winter, while others remain resident year-round.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: Goldcrests are insectivorous, feeding primarily on small insects, spiders, and larvae, which they find by foraging in trees. They are agile and often hang upside down from branches to search for food in hard-to-reach areas.
• Breeding: Goldcrests breed in the spring, and the female typically lays 8–12 eggs in a finely woven nest suspended from tree branches. These nests are usually hidden in the dense foliage of coniferous trees. Both parents feed the chicks once they hatch.
• Vocalisations: They have high-pitched calls, which can be difficult for some people to hear. Their song is a thin, rapid “zee-zee-zee” sound, often given while foraging or during the breeding season.

Conservation Status:

• The Goldcrest is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and stable population. However, populations can fluctuate locally due to harsh winters and habitat changes.

Notable Facts:

• Despite its tiny size, the Goldcrest is extremely resilient and can survive in cold environments, even through harsh winters.
• In folklore, the Goldcrest is sometimes referred to as the “King of birds” because of the golden “crown” on its head. According to legend, the bird outwitted larger birds in a competition to see who could fly the highest by hiding on the back of an eagle and flying a little higher when the eagle tired.

The Goldcrest is a tiny but charismatic bird, easily recognisable by its bright crest and lively behaviour as it flits through the trees in search of food.

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.