Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Fulmar Petrel, Antique Seabird Lithograph by John Gould, c.1832
£440 ($585, €520)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1832
- Size
- 15 × 22 in (38 × 56 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Very good condition for its age. General age-related toning with a few small marginal tears and punched binding holes along the upper edge, all well outside the image area. Image itself remains clean and vibrant.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- John Gould
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_25790592
Fulmar Petrel, Antique Seabird Lithograph by John Gould, c.1832
This striking hand-colored lithograph presents the Fulmar Petrel (Procellaria glacialis), a hardy seabird known for its gliding flight and rugged oceanic habitat. It was drawn from life and published as part of John Gould’s monumental ornithological series Birds of Europe (1832–1837), a foundational work in 19th-century bird illustration.
The Fulmar is rendered standing against a subtle coastal backdrop, with delicate tonal gradients capturing the softness of its pale plumage and the distinctive curve of its tubenose bill. Gould’s remarkable attention to anatomical precision and natural coloration is evident here, merging scientific study with an elegant artistic composition.
As a member of the petrel family, the Fulmar was a rare sight to most 19th-century Europeans, making this image especially compelling to contemporary audiences eager to explore the natural world. Today, it remains a coveted example of Gould’s ability to transform ornithological data into timeless works of art, ideal for collectors of antique prints, natural history lovers, and interior decorators seeking refined avian subjects.
Condition report: Very good condition for its age. General age-related toning with a few small marginal tears and punched binding holes along the upper edge, all well outside the image area. Image itself remains clean and vibrant.
Framing tips: We recommend a soft ivory or stone-grey mat and a classic gold or natural wood frame to complement the muted coastal palette. A perfect addition to a study, coastal interior, or gallery wall celebrating wildlife and natural exploration.
Overall size: 56 x 38 cm.
Image size: 36 x 24 cm.
