PALLID HARRIER – CIRCUS PALLIDUS

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 Pallid Harrier 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 Pallid Harrier: A Short Description

The Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is a striking bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The pallid harrier is a medium-sized raptor, measuring about 40-48 cm (16-19 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 95-120 cm (37-47 inches).
• Male:
  • The adult male pallid harrier is characterized by its pale, almost ghostly appearance, which gives the bird its name.
  • The plumage is predominantly a light grey or ashy white, with contrasting black wingtips and a black trailing edge on the wings.
  • The male also has a white rump, which is a key identification feature, and its underparts are pale.
  • The facial disk is pale grey, with a slightly darker area around the eyes, giving it a distinctive look.
• Female and Juvenile:
  • Females and juveniles have a different appearance, with a brownish colour overall.
  • Females are darker brown with streaked underparts and a more pronounced facial disk with a dark eye stripe, giving them a somewhat owl-like appearance.
  • Juveniles resemble females but are generally more uniformly brown, with less streaking on the underparts.
  • Both females and juveniles have a noticeable white rump and a barred tail, which are key features in identifying them in the field.

Habitat:

• Pallid harriers breed in open landscapes such as steppes, grasslands, and plains, predominantly in eastern Europe and Central Asia.
• They prefer areas with low vegetation where they can hunt and nest on the ground.
• During the non-breeding season, they migrate to South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, where they inhabit similar open habitats, including agricultural fields and wetlands.

Behaviour:

• Hunting: The pallid harrier is an agile and graceful hunter, often seen gliding low over the ground in search of prey.
  • It primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and large insects.
  • Their hunting style is characterized by their low, buoyant flight, often with wings held in a shallow V.
• Breeding: These birds typically nest on the ground in open areas, usually among tall grasses or crops.
  • The nest is a simple scrape, often lined with grass and other vegetation.
  • The female lays 4 to 5 eggs, which she incubates alone, while the male provides food.

Conservation Status:

• The pallid harrier is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.
• This status is due to threats like habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and changes in land use in their breeding and wintering grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding habitats and managing agricultural practices to ensure their survival.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and southern Russia.
• Wintering Range: South Asia (including India), the Middle East, and parts of East and Southern Africa.

Vocalisation:

• The pallid harrier is generally a silent bird, especially outside of the breeding season. However, during courtship or when disturbed near the nest, they may produce a series of sharp, high-pitched calls.

The pallid harrier is a fascinating species with a unique combination of graceful flight and striking appearance, making it a favourite among birdwatchers and naturalists.

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.