Pochard – Fuligula ferina – 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 001860

Pochard: A Brief Description

The pochard (Aythya ferina), sometimes referred to in older texts as Fuligula ferina, is a medium-sized diving duck commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia.

Appearance: The male pochard is easily recognisable by its reddish-brown head, black breast, and greyish body. The eyes are bright red, creating a striking contrast with the dark plumage. The female is more subdued in colour, with brown and grey tones overall, and lacks the vibrant reddish head of the male.

Size: Adult pochards typically measure between 42 and 49 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 72 to 82 cm. They have a stocky body and are adapted for diving, with legs set further back on their bodies.

Habitat: Pochards are usually found in large, open freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with ample vegetation. During the breeding season, they nest in areas with dense reeds or floating vegetation. In winter, they often move to more temperate regions, including coastal lagoons, estuaries, and larger bodies of freshwater.

Diet: As diving ducks, pochards feed mainly on aquatic plants, but they also consume small invertebrates, such as molluscs, crustaceans, and insect larvae. They dive underwater to forage, often staying submerged for several seconds.

Behaviour: Pochards are social birds and often gather in large flocks, particularly during migration or winter. While they are strong fliers, they can also be seen diving and swimming with ease. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.

Conservation Status: The pochard has experienced population declines in recent years, particularly in Europe, and it is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance to breeding areas are significant threats to the species. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect wetlands and improve water quality in areas where the pochard breeds.

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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