LITTLE GULL – XEMA MINUTA – 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: 51.7cm x 34cm
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 minor amount of the usual textual off-setting. A very good indeed, bright, copy with good margins. Location: Map Drawer B: Folder 1006. 002020

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.

Little Gull: A Short Description

The Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus, formerly Xema minuta) is the smallest species of gull in the world. It belongs to the family Laridae and is known for its distinctive appearance and behaviour.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Little Gull is notably small for a gull, measuring about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 61-78 cm (24-31 inches). It weighs between 68-162 grams (2.4-5.7 ounces).
• Plumage:
  • Adults in Breeding Plumage: During the breeding season, adult Little Gulls have a striking appearance with a black hood covering their head, contrasting with their pale grey back and wings. The underparts are white, and they have a distinctive dark ‘W’ pattern on the upper side of their wings.
  • Non-breeding Plumage: In the non-breeding season, the black hood is lost, and the head becomes mostly white with some dark smudging around the eyes and nape.
  • Juveniles: Juvenile Little Gulls have a more mottled appearance with brown and black markings on the upper wings and a more prominent dark cap, which gradually fades as they mature.
• Bill: The bill is short, thin, and black.
• Legs: The legs are reddish or dark brown, relatively short compared to other gull species.

Behaviour:

• Feeding: The Little Gull primarily feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. It is often seen flying low over the water, dipping down to pick up food from the surface. During migration, it may also be found feeding in fields, catching insects in flight.
• Flight: The flight of the Little Gull is often described as buoyant and tern-like, with rapid wingbeats. This species is highly agile in the air and can often be seen performing acrobatic manoeuvres, especially when foraging.

Habitat:

• Breeding: The Little Gull breeds in freshwater habitats, such as marshes, lakes, and wet meadows, primarily across northern Europe and Asia. They nest on the ground, usually near water, in colonies or solitary pairs.
• Wintering: In winter, Little Gulls migrate to coastal regions and are commonly found in estuaries, along seashores, and occasionally inland on large bodies of water. They are widely distributed across Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of North America during this time.

Migration:

• The Little Gull is a migratory species, with populations in Europe and Asia migrating southward to wintering grounds along coasts and large inland waters. Some individuals cross the Atlantic to winter in North America, where they are more common along the eastern coast, though they can be found as far west as the Great Lakes.

Conservation Status:

• The Little Gull is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While it is not considered globally threatened, its populations are relatively small and localized, making it potentially vulnerable to habitat changes, especially in its breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and monitoring population trends.

Interesting Facts:

• Small Size: The Little Gull’s small size sets it apart from other gull species, and its delicate, tern-like flight makes it easily distinguishable from larger, more robust gulls.
• Vocalization: It has a distinctive, high-pitched call, often described as a “kik-kik” sound, which can be heard during flight or when the birds are alarmed.

The Little Gull’s unique characteristics and behaviours make it an interesting species for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Its ability to thrive in both freshwater and marine environments demonstrates its adaptability, while its migratory patterns highlight the species’ extensive range.

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.