Somateria Mollissima – Common Eider – 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 001862

Somateria Mollissima: A Brief Description

The common eider (Somateria mollissima) is a large sea duck that is well-known for its insulating down feathers, which have been historically harvested for use in high-quality insulation products, such as eiderdown quilts. Below is a detailed description:

• Appearance:
  • Male: The male common eider is striking, with black and white plumage. The chest and sides are white, while the head features black markings, including a distinctive black crown. The back, belly, and tail are also black. The male’s bill is greenish-yellow, and the whole bird has a large, stocky appearance.
  • Female: The female is much more camouflaged, with brown, barred plumage that allows her to blend into the nest environment during the breeding season. The subdued colouration helps protect her and her nest from predators.
• Size: This species is one of the largest ducks, measuring between 50 and 71 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 95 to 110 cm. They are hefty birds, with some individuals weighing up to 3 kilograms or more.
• Habitat: Common eiders breed along Arctic and northern temperate coastlines, where they nest in colonies on islands, tundra, or coastal areas. They are most often found in marine environments, foraging in shallow coastal waters. During the winter, they migrate to more southern, ice-free coastal regions, though they often remain in northern waters year-round.
• Diet: Common eiders are diving ducks, primarily feeding on marine invertebrates such as molluscs (especially mussels), crustaceans, and small fish. They dive underwater to catch their prey, using their strong, powerful bodies to remain submerged for several seconds at a time.
• Behaviour: Eiders are social birds, particularly outside of the breeding season, when they form large flocks in coastal waters. During breeding, females are known for plucking down feathers from their own bodies to line the nest, creating a well-insulated environment for their eggs.
• Conservation Status: The common eider is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but some populations have experienced declines due to habitat degradation, pollution, and overharvesting of their down. Conservation efforts include the protection of breeding sites and regulated down harvesting.

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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