LEAD-COLOURED FALCON – FALCO CONCOLOR

Artists: John and Elizabeth Gould
Price: £395.00
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 Lead-Coloured Falcon 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. 002157

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 Lead-Coloured Falcon: A Short Description

Falco concolor, commonly known as the Sooty Falcon, is a medium-sized falcon species with a distinctive uniform greyish-blue or sooty coloration. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The sooty falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring about 30–36 cm (12–14 inches) in length with a wingspan of 78–90 cm (31–35 inches).
• Plumage:
  • The plumage of the sooty falcon is predominantly a uniform slate-grey or sooty colour, which gives the bird its name.
  • Both males and females have similar plumage, although females are slightly larger than males, which is common in raptors.
  • The legs and feet are yellow, and the beak is also yellow at the base with a darker tip.
  • The eyes are large and dark, giving the bird a keen, intense look typical of falcons.
• Juveniles:
  • Juvenile sooty falcons have a more brownish coloration compared to adults and lack the uniform slate-gray of mature birds. Their underparts are streaked, and they have a more mottled appearance overall.

Habitat:

• The sooty falcon breeds on coastal and desert cliffs, often in arid or semi-arid regions. They are typically found in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia.
• During the non-breeding season, they migrate to Madagascar and coastal East Africa, favouring coastal areas and offshore islands.

Behaviour:

• Hunting: The sooty falcon is a highly agile hunter, often catching prey in flight.
  • It primarily feeds on small birds, insects, and occasionally bats, often hunting at dawn and dusk (crepuscular behaviour).
  • Sooty falcons are known for their fast, acrobatic flight, often pursuing and capturing prey mid-air.
• Breeding:
  • The sooty falcon nests on cliff ledges, rocky outcrops, or occasionally on the ground in less accessible areas.
  • The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for about a month.
  • Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 5 to 6 weeks.

Conservation Status:

• The sooty falcon is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.
• This status is due to threats such as habitat loss, disturbance at nesting sites, and declining prey availability, particularly during migration.
• Conservation efforts are focused on protecting breeding and wintering habitats and reducing human disturbance in critical areas.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: Middle East (including Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), parts of North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Wintering Range: Madagascar and the surrounding islands, as well as coastal regions of East Africa.

Vocalisation:

• The sooty falcon is generally quiet, but during the breeding season or when alarmed, it may emit a sharp, high-pitched call, similar to other falcon species.

The sooty falcon is a fascinating species with a striking appearance and remarkable adaptability to harsh environments. It’s particularly noted for its long migration from breeding grounds in the Middle East to wintering sites in Madagascar.

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.