Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Dusky Shearwater, Antique Bird Lithograph by John Gould, c.1832
$430 (£325, €384)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1832
- Size
- 14.6 × 21.5 in (37 × 54.5 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Very good condition for its age. Minor toning from age and a few small holes in the upper margin, well outside the image area. Some light marginal edge wear. The print retains strong detail and color clarity.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- John Gould
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_26556652
This fine hand-colored lithograph depicts the Dusky Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri), also known as Audubon's shearwater, rendered with precision and elegance by John Gould for his celebrated work The Birds of Europe (1832–1837). The bird is shown standing on a rocky outcrop with distant hills fading into the background, capturing the wild and coastal habitats this seabird frequents.
Audubon's shearwater is part of a cryptic species complex, a group of very similar species often difficult to distinguish in the field. The bird is commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters, and the species has numerous regional variations. Depending on taxonomy, it may also be referred to as Baillon's, Persian, or Mascarene shearwater, among others. Its graceful appearance and subtle plumage contrast of dark brown to black upperparts and clean white underparts make it both scientifically intriguing and visually appealing.
John Gould, one of the most renowned bird illustrators of the 19th century, worked alongside artists like Edward Lear and Elizabeth Gould to produce ornithological publications that blended meticulous accuracy with artistic beauty. This print from The Birds of Europe is a fine example of their collaborative excellence, appealing to both collectors of natural history and lovers of early scientific illustration.
The subtle coloration, soft atmospheric background, and lifelike pose of the bird reflect the lithographic finesse typical of Gould’s team, helping to bring rare and elusive species closer to the public eye in a pre-photography era.
Condition report: Very good condition for its age. Minor toning from age and a few small holes in the upper margin, well outside the image area. Some light marginal edge wear. The print retains strong detail and color clarity.
Framing tips: A simple natural wood frame or slim gold frame pairs well with a light ivory mat, enhancing the earthy tones of the bird and the subtle landscape. Consider using UV-resistant glazing to preserve the original hand-coloring.
