GREY PHALAROPE – PHALAROPUS PLATYRHYNCHUS – ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £245.00
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 Grey Phalarope 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, spotting and paper-handling. With a minor amount of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002190

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 Grey Phalarope: A Short Description:

The Grey Phalarope, known scientifically as Phalaropus fulicarius (formerly Phalaropus platyrhynchus), is a small wading bird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae, which includes sandpipers and their relatives. In North America, this species is commonly referred to as the Red Phalarope, while the name Grey Phalarope is used more frequently in Europe.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Grey Phalarope is a small bird, typically measuring about 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length with a wingspan of 36-41 cm (14-16 inches).
• Plumage: The bird exhibits a marked difference in plumage between the breeding and non-breeding seasons.
  • Breeding plumage: The Grey Phalarope has strikingly different plumage during the breeding season, with females (unusually for birds) being more brightly coloured than males. Females display a reddish-brown body with a dark brown head and a white face.
  • Non-breeding plumage: During the non-breeding season, both males and females are predominantly grey and white, which is where the name “Grey Phalarope” comes from. They have a grey back, white underparts, and a distinctive dark eye patch.
• Bill: The bird’s bill is relatively short, straight, and slightly thicker at the base, often described as being yellowish or orangish with a dark tip.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: The Grey Phalarope is known for its unique feeding behaviour. It often swims in small, tight circles, creating a vortex that brings small invertebrates to the surface, which it then picks up with its bill. This behaviour is especially common in the species when it is found in its breeding habitat in the Arctic, as well as during migration and winter.
• Habitat: The bird breeds in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. During the breeding season, it prefers tundra habitats near pools, lakes, or wetlands. In the non-breeding season, it migrates to more temperate regions, often found at sea in the open ocean, which is unusual for a wader. The Grey Phalarope is pelagic outside the breeding season, often seen far from land in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Migration:

• The Grey Phalarope undertakes long migrations between its Arctic breeding grounds and the oceanic waters where it winters. These migrations are among the most extensive of any bird species, with some individuals traveling thousands of kilometres between breeding and wintering areas.

Conservation Status:

• The Grey Phalarope is not currently considered globally threatened. However, like many Arctic-breeding species, it is potentially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly changes in its breeding habitat. The bird is also sometimes impacted by oil spills and other pollutants in the marine environments where it spends much of its life.

Interesting Facts:

• Sex Role Reversal: In an unusual twist on typical bird behaviour, the female Grey Phalarope is more brightly coloured and takes the lead in courtship. After laying eggs, the female often leaves the male to incubate the eggs and care for the young, a reversal of the typical roles seen in many bird species.
• Vortex Feeding: The phalarope’s spinning behaviour while feeding is not only fascinating to watch but also a highly effective way to concentrate food in the often nutrient-sparse waters of its habitat.

The Grey Phalarope is a remarkable example of adaptation to extreme environments, both in its Arctic breeding grounds and its life at sea during the non-breeding season.

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.