Little Grebe – Podiceps fluviatilis – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £65
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1876
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 32.5cm x 25cm

Condition:

Original hand-coloured lithograph. Minor age-toning to the margins. In very good indeed, clean condition overall. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: FS: Folder JGK 001863

Little Grebe: A Brief Description

The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), historically referred to as Podiceps fluviatilis, is a small, aquatic bird commonly found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Appearance:

• Size: The little grebe is the smallest member of the grebe family, typically measuring about 23–29 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40–45 cm. It is compact with a rounded body, short tail, and short neck.
• Breeding Plumage: During the breeding season, adults have a striking chestnut-brown throat and sides of the neck, with dark brown to black upper parts. The face is blackish, with a yellow gape spot at the base of the bill.
• Non-breeding Plumage: In the non-breeding season, the plumage becomes duller, with the chestnut areas turning a pale buff or brownish colour. The bird overall looks more greyish-brown, blending in well with its wetland surroundings.
• Juvenile Appearance: Young little grebes are paler, with a pattern of dark stripes on their head and neck.

Habitat:

Little grebes inhabit freshwater wetlands, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. They prefer areas with dense vegetation, which provides cover and ample food. During the winter months, they may move to larger bodies of water or even coastal estuaries.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: Little grebes are excellent divers and spend much of their time hunting underwater for food. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, aquatic insects, and invertebrates such as crustaceans. They forage by diving beneath the surface, using their feet to propel themselves while underwater.
• Courtship and Breeding: The little grebe is known for its elaborate courtship displays, which involve mutual preening, synchronized swimming, and head-shaking displays. During breeding, they build floating nests made of aquatic vegetation, typically hidden in dense reeds or vegetation along the water’s edge. The female lays between 3 to 6 eggs, which are incubated for around 20–22 days.
• Voice: Little grebes are very vocal, especially during the breeding season. Their call is a loud, high-pitched trill or whinnying sound, often heard echoing across the water.

Conservation Status:

The little grebe is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, as it has a widespread and stable population across its range. However, like many wetland species, the little grebe can be affected by habitat loss, water pollution, and human disturbance in some regions.

Adaptations:

• Diving Ability: Like all grebes, the little grebe is an adept swimmer and diver, with legs positioned far back on its body, allowing for powerful propulsion underwater. This positioning makes it less agile on land, but in water, it is highly maneuverable.
• Camouflage and Nesting: The bird’s brownish non-breeding plumage helps it blend into reeds and other vegetation, providing effective camouflage from predators. Its floating nest also keeps eggs safe from terrestrial threats.

John Gerrard Keulemans: A Short Biography

John Gerrard Keulemans (1842–1912) was a prolific and influential Dutch bird illustrator whose work remains celebrated for its accuracy and artistic detail. He was born on June 8, 1842, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed an interest in natural history, particularly in birds, and this passion guided him toward a career in scientific illustration.

Early Life and Career

Keulemans studied under Hermann Schlegel at the Natural History Museum in Leiden, where he honed his skills as a naturalist and artist. This connection led to one of his early assignments: joining an expedition to West Africa in 1864 to collect specimens. His work during this period helped him establish his reputation as both a naturalist and an illustrator. He documented various species of birds, adding greatly to the knowledge of African avifauna.

Move to London and Prolific Period

In 1869, Keulemans moved to England, where he would spend the rest of his career. London at that time was a hub of scientific research and publishing, making it an ideal base for an artist like Keulemans. He quickly became a leading illustrator for many of the major ornithological works of the 19th century.

Major Works

Keulemans illustrated more than 100 books on natural history, with his most famous contributions to:

• “The Birds of Great Britain” (1862–1873) by John Gould – Keulemans contributed to many of Gould’s other works, but this publication remains one of the most significant.
• “A History of the Birds of New Zealand” (1873, 1888, 1906) by Sir Walter Buller – Keulemans’ illustrations were essential to the understanding of New Zealand’s birdlife.
• “The Ibis” and “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London” – leading ornithological journals where Keulemans’ works regularly appeared.
• “The Avifauna of Laysan” and “The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands” by R. C. L. Perkins.

Keulemans’ distinctive style involved the meticulous depiction of birds in natural, life-like poses. His plates were highly detailed, showcasing the nuances of feathers and anatomy, and he often portrayed birds in natural habitats to highlight their behaviour and environment.

Style and Techniques

Keulemans mainly worked in lithography, a printmaking process that allowed for mass production of his artwork while maintaining high-quality detail. He was known for his ability to bring a bird’s plumage and colour to life on paper, despite the limitations of the printing techniques of the time. His method involved working with specimens, either from museums or from field collections, to create scientifically accurate and dynamic illustrations.

Personal Life

Keulemans lived in England for much of his life and married in 1871. He fathered 11 children, though only six survived into adulthood. Despite his immense output and contributions to science, Keulemans often struggled financially, a common challenge for many illustrators of his era.

Legacy

John Gerrard Keulemans passed away on March 29, 1912, in Ilford, Essex, England. His legacy is firmly cemented in the world of ornithological illustration. His works continue to be highly regarded for their scientific value and artistic beauty. Many of his original illustrations are held in museums and private collections, and his detailed depictions are still referenced by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts today.

Keulemans’ work represents an important bridge between the art of the natural world and scientific inquiry, providing invaluable insight into bird species from around the world during a period when photography was still in its infancy. His illustrations remain among the finest examples of ornithological art.

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