Somateria Mollissima – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Eider Duck – 1862-1873

A superb original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Eider Duck (Somateria mollissima) floating offshore, with additional birds resting amongst rocky coastal outcrops behind. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose celebrated collaboration produced some of the finest ornithological illustrations of the Victorian period.

This striking composition is particularly admired for its calm monumentality and subtle tonal refinement. The elegantly simplified form of the drake Eider, with its contrasting black-and-white plumage and delicate sea-green colouring to the nape, is rendered with remarkable precision and restraint. Richter’s lithographic skill is especially evident in the finely observed plumage textures, atmospheric handling of the coastal landscape, and the beautifully modulated surface of the water.

Among the most sophisticated waterbird plates from Gould’s Birds of Great Britain, the composition possesses a distinctly modern decorative quality, with the restrained palette and balanced arrangement giving the image exceptional visual impact.

Produced for Gould’s monumental Birds of Great Britain, issued between 1862 and 1873, the lithograph forms part of one of the defining achievements of nineteenth-century natural history publishing. Gould’s folio bird books united scientific observation with extraordinary artistic sophistication and remain among the most celebrated Victorian colour-plate works.

Plate captioned “SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 55.8 x 38 cm.

Condition: Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Ghost mark from where a previous mount has been present but this would be covered by any new mount. Mild age toning, spotting and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely unfaded example with fresh original hand-colouring and strong decorative appeal.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys, Ripon

Daniel Hornsey, a partner of Hornseys in Ripon, is widely regarded as a trusted specialist in the field of rare and second-hand books. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys, an established independent bookshop and gallery, is known for its careful curation and its emphasis on quality. Under Daniel Hornsey’s guidance, the shop has become a respected destination for collectors seeking rare, well-preserved, and accurately described volumes. Collectors value his transparency, his attention to detail, and his commitment to presenting books exactly as they are, without exaggeration. This reliability is essential in a field where subtle differences in condition or printing can dramatically influence desirability and value.

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