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Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Little Tern, Antique Bird Print by John Gould, Europe Series c.1832
€550 ($615, £465, €550)
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 overall. General age-related toning. Minor marginal tears and four binding holes along the top edge, well outside the image area. Image remains clean, crisp, and well preserved. Please examine closely.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- John Gould
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_25794542
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Little Tern, Antique Bird Print by John Gould, Europe Series c.1832
This elegant antique lithograph features the Little Tern (Sterna minuta), delicately illustrated in both standing and calling postures along a rocky shoreline. Created by the renowned English ornithologist and bird artist John Gould, this work is part of his seminal publication Birds of Europe (1832–1837), one of the finest 19th-century ornithological series.
The Little Tern, one of Europe’s smallest seabirds, is recognized for its slender form, graceful flight, and sharp black cap. Gould’s portrayal captures its breeding plumage and characteristic yellow bill with black tip. The tranquil background and soft palette evoke a calm coastal environment, enhancing the print’s visual charm.
John Gould’s work seamlessly blends scientific documentation with fine artistry, making this plate highly desirable to collectors of natural history, bird lovers, and those drawn to coastal or nautical themes in art. Its historical and decorative value is enhanced by its association with Gould’s legacy, whose meticulous illustrations shaped Victorian-era ornithology and are still celebrated today.
Condition report: Very good condition overall. General age-related toning. Minor marginal tears and four binding holes along the top edge, well outside the image area. Image remains clean, crisp, and well preserved. Please examine closely.
Framing tips: Pair with a soft cream mat and a natural oak or antiqued silver frame to enhance the print’s delicate tones. Ideal for display in studies, libraries, beach homes, or nature-themed interiors.
Overall size: 54.5 x 37 cm.
Image size: 40 x 22 cm.
