LAND RAIL – GALLINULA CREX– ORIGINAL HAND-COLOURED LITHOGRAPH BY JOHN AND ELIZABETH GOULD

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £195.00
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: 54cm x 34.5cm
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 Little Gull 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 some of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002002

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.

Land Rail: A Short Description

The Land Rail is more accurately known as the Corncrake (Crex crex), not Gallinula crex. Gallinula refers to a different genus, which includes moorhens and similar water-birds. The Corncrake belongs to the family Rallidae, which includes crakes, rails, and coots.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Corncrake is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring 27-30 cm (10.6-11.8 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 46-53 cm (18-21 inches). It weighs around 130-210 grams (4.6-7.4 ounces).
• Plumage: The Corncrake has a somewhat cryptic appearance, with streaky brown and grey plumage that helps it blend into its grassy habitat.
  • The upperparts are predominantly brown with darker streaks, while the underparts are lighter, often with a buff or greyish tinge.
  • It has a distinctive rusty-brown stripe running from the eye down the side of the neck.
  • The wings are reddish-brown, and it has a short, rounded tail.
• Bill: The bill is relatively short, thick, and pale in color.
• Legs: The legs are strong, long, and pale, well-suited for walking and running through dense vegetation.

Behaviour:

• Vocalization: The Corncrake is famous for its distinctive, repetitive “crex-crex” call, which is usually heard during the breeding season and gives the bird its scientific name. This call is often described as a harsh, rasping noise and is typically delivered at night.
• Feeding: The Corncrake is an omnivorous bird, feeding on a variety of invertebrates (such as insects and worms), seeds, and plant matter. It forages on the ground, often hidden in tall vegetation.
• Flight: While the Corncrake can fly, it is not a strong flier and prefers to remain on the ground, where it uses its legs to run through dense grass and undergrowth. It usually only takes to the air when it feels threatened, flying low and dropping back into cover quickly.

Habitat:

• Breeding: The Corncrake primarily breeds in grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields across Europe and parts of Asia. It prefers habitats with tall, dense vegetation that provides cover for nesting and foraging.
• Wintering: In winter, the Corncrake migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, where it spends the non-breeding season in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and wetlands.

Migration:

• The Corncrake is a long-distance migrant, with populations breeding in Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa. It undertakes these migrations at night and is known to cover vast distances during its journey.

Conservation Status:

• The Corncrake is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but it has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range due to habitat loss, particularly the loss of suitable breeding habitat caused by modern agricultural practices. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring grassland habitats, particularly in its breeding range, to support population recovery.

Interesting Facts:

• Elusiveness: The Corncrake is notoriously elusive and difficult to see, even though its call can be heard clearly. Its secretive nature and preference for dense cover make it one of the more challenging birds to observe.
• Cultural Significance: The Corncrake’s call was once a familiar sound in rural Europe, but it has become much rarer due to the decline in traditional hay meadows and grasslands, which are crucial for its survival.
• Late Breeder: The Corncrake is a late breeder, often starting to breed after the hay has been cut in traditional farming systems, which historically provided a good habitat for nesting.

The Corncrake is a fascinating and cryptic bird, whose decline in parts of its range has made it a focus of conservation efforts. Its distinctive call and elusive behaviour make it a bird of interest for both birdwatchers and conservationists.

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.