Whistling Swan – Cygnus ferus (Ray) – Original Lithograph – Edward Lear – John Gould – 1832-1837

Original hand-coloured lithograph from The Birds of Europe. London: Published by John Gould, [1832–1837].

A beautiful original nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithograph depicting the Whistling Swan (Cygnus ferus, Ray) – historically associated with what is now known as Bewick’s Swan – standing amongst reeds at the water’s edge. Drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear, one of the most gifted ornithological artists of the Victorian period and among the principal contributors to Gould’s earliest and most important publications.

The composition is particularly notable for its elegance and restraint, with Lear rendering the swan’s graceful curving neck and finely textured plumage with exceptional delicacy. The muted marshland setting and subtle tonal modelling demonstrate the extraordinary observational skill for which Lear’s natural history work is celebrated.

Produced for Gould’s monumental large-folio Birds of Europe, issued between 1832 and 1837, the lithograph forms part of one of the foundational works of nineteenth-century ornithological publishing. The work established Gould’s international reputation and remains highly regarded for the quality of its artistic collaboration, particularly the contribution of the young Edward Lear.

Plate captioned “WHISTLING SWAN. Cygnus ferus (Ray).” Lower right bearing signature in the stone “E. Lear del.” Printed by Hullmandel. Sheet size approximately 53.7 x 37 cm.

Condition: Mild age toning, small age spot to upper margin, minor creasing and minor handling wear to margins consistent with the period. Remnants of framer’s tabs verso. Small creases lower margin with old price in pencil. Original hand-colouring remains fresh and attractive. A strong, well-preserved example with excellent decorative appeal. Very good indeed overall.

A particularly attractive Edward Lear lithograph from Gould’s celebrated Birds of Europe in very good indeed, unrestored and original condition.

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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