Snow Goose – Chen hyperboreus – Cassin’s Snow Goose – Chen albatus – 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 001864

Snow Goose: A Brief Description

The snow goose (Anser caerulescens), historically referred to as Chen hyperboreus, is a medium to large migratory waterfowl species native to North America. It is well known for its striking white plumage and impressive migratory patterns.

• Appearance:
  • White Morph: The most recognizable form of the snow goose is the white morph, with pure white plumage and black wing tips visible in flight. The bill is pink with a distinct black “grinning patch,” and the legs are also pink.
  • Blue Morph: In addition to the white morph, there is a blue morph where the body is dark grey or brownish, with a white head, though both morphs share the same species. The two colour forms can often be seen together in flocks.
• Size: Snow geese are medium to large geese, typically measuring 63–79 cm in length, with a wingspan of 135–165 cm. They weigh between 2 and 3 kg, with males generally being slightly larger than females.
• Habitat: Snow geese breed in the high Arctic tundra of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. In the winter, they migrate south to coastal marshes, wetlands, agricultural fields, and estuaries across the United States and northern Mexico. They are often found in large, dense flocks during migration and on their wintering grounds.
• Diet: Snow geese are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, sedges, grains, and other plant materials. During migration and in winter, they forage in agricultural fields, feeding on leftover grains such as corn and wheat. They often feed in shallow water or on land, grazing on shoots, roots, and tubers.
• Behaviour: Snow geese are highly social birds and form large, noisy flocks. Their loud, honking calls can often be heard as they fly in their characteristic V-shaped formation during migration. They are strong fliers and can cover long distances in a single migration flight, traveling from the Arctic to southern wintering grounds.
• Breeding: Snow geese nest in the Arctic tundra, where the female lays 3–5 eggs in a shallow ground nest lined with down feathers. Both parents participate in protecting the nest from predators. The chicks are precocial, meaning they can walk and feed shortly after hatching, but they remain with the parents for some time after fledging.
• Conservation Status: The snow goose is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, and its populations have been increasing in recent decades, particularly due to changes in agricultural practices that provide abundant food during migration and winter. However, this population growth has caused ecological concerns in the Arctic breeding grounds, where overgrazing by large flocks of snow geese has damaged tundra vegetation.

Cassin’s Snow Goose: A Brief Description

The historical classification of Cassin’s snow goose (Chen albatus) dates back to early ornithological studies in the 19th century, where naturalists attempted to classify different populations of snow geese based on their geographical ranges or slight morphological differences. This was common during the era of John Cassin, a prominent American ornithologist in whose honour many species were named, including what was once considered “Cassin’s snow goose.”

Taxonomy and Historical Background:

In early taxonomic attempts, geese that showed minor variations in size, colouration, or migratory habits were often classified as separate species or subspecies. Cassin’s snow goose was one such case, referring to a population of geese that appeared to differ slightly from others, primarily in the western part of North America. However, with advancements in ornithology, especially in the study of genetics and migratory behaviour, these classifications were revised.

Over time, scientists concluded that what was called Cassin’s snow goose did not have enough significant genetic or morphological differences to be considered a separate species or even a subspecies. It was ultimately merged into the broader classification of the snow goose (Anser caerulescens), which encompasses two recognised subspecies:

1. Greater Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens atlanticus):
   • Breeds in the Arctic regions of northeastern Canada.
   • Winters primarily along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
   • Generally slightly larger than the lesser snow goose.
2. Lesser Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens caerulescens):
   • Breeds in the Arctic of Canada and Alaska.
   • Winters in the southern U.S., Mexico, and along the Pacific Flyway.
   • Slightly smaller than the greater snow goose.

Morphological Differences:

Although historical distinctions like Cassin’s snow goose focused on variations in size or plumage, today we recognise only minor differences between the greater and lesser snow geese:

• Greater Snow Goose: Tends to be larger, with a wingspan up to 165 cm and a heavier body.
• Lesser Snow Goose: Slightly smaller, with a more widespread range across North America.

Both subspecies exhibit the two colour morphs — the white morph and the blue morph — where the white morph is the most common, with its iconic white plumage and black wingtips. The blue morph, primarily seen among lesser snow geese, has a greyish-blue body and white head.

Migration and Habits:

• Greater Snow Geese: Their migration route is primarily along the Atlantic Flyway. They travel from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering grounds along the eastern seaboard, from New Jersey down to North Carolina.
• Lesser Snow Geese: They migrate along the Central and Pacific Flyways, wintering in areas such as California, Texas, and northern Mexico. They breed in the tundra regions of Canada and Alaska.

Both subspecies are strong migrators, forming large flocks during their long-distance flights, which can cover thousands of kilometres.

Ecological Impact:

With population increases, particularly among lesser snow geese, concerns have arisen about overgrazing in the Arctic tundra. Large flocks have caused significant damage to vegetation in their breeding grounds, threatening the ecosystem’s balance. In response, wildlife management agencies have introduced measures like extended hunting seasons to control snow goose populations and reduce the environmental impact.

Conservation:

Despite the ecological challenges caused by overpopulation in some regions, the snow goose is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN due to its large and growing population. In contrast, a century ago, both greater and lesser snow geese faced population declines due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, improved hunting regulations and changes in agricultural practices have led to population rebounds.

In conclusion, Cassin’s snow goose (Chen albatus) is now understood to be part of the broader snow goose (Anser caerulescens) species, with distinctions like greater and lesser snow geese being more accurate classifications based on breeding grounds and size. Historical efforts to classify these birds highlight the complexity of early ornithology and how modern science has refined our understanding of species relationships.

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.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each lithograph is researched and verified for authenticity, guaranteeing that you receive a genuine item.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of maps and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located sine 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognized as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, rare maps, design, and fine books.