Upupa Epops Linn – Original Lithograph – John Gould – Hoopoe – 1862-1873

A magnificent original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting Hoopoes (Upupa epops) with nesting young within a tree cavity. Drawn and lithographed by John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter, whose celebrated collaboration produced some of the most artistically accomplished ornithological illustrations of the Victorian period.

One of the most visually striking and decorative plates from Gould’s Birds of Great Britain, the composition combines the dramatic black-and-white barred wings and distinctive crested plumage of the adult birds with an intimate and beautifully observed nesting scene. Richter’s exceptional lithographic skill is evident throughout, particularly in the delicate tonal transitions, finely rendered feather textures, and the remarkable detail of the juvenile birds emerging from the tree hollow.

The plate is especially admired for its strong sense of movement and theatrical composition, qualities which have made the Hoopoe one of the most sought-after subjects from Gould’s British birds series. The warm buff and cinnamon plumage contrasts beautifully against the cooler landscape tones, giving the image exceptional decorative appeal.

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 great folio bird books united scientific observation with extraordinary artistic sophistication and remain among the most celebrated Victorian colour-plate works.

Plate captioned “UPUPA EPOPS, Linn.” Lower left bearing printed credit “J. Gould & H.C. Richter, del et lith.” Sheet size approximately 56.2 x 38.5 cm.

Condition: Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Mild age toning, creasing, spotting and minor handling marks, otherwise a lovely un-faded example with fresh original hand-colouring, good wide margins 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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