Murdoch Bruce

Architectural View of the Residence of the Lieutenant Governor, Hong Kong

1846

A pair of hand-colored lithographs of ducks entitled "Tadorna Vulpanser" (Sheldrake Ducks) and "Mergus Umbellus' (Smew or Nun Ducks) from John Gould's publication "Birds of Great Br...

This is a 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithograph entitled "Dendrortyx Leucophrys" (White Eye-browed Partridges) by John Gould, published in his monograph 'A Monograph of the Odontophorinae, or Partridges of America' in London between 1844-1850. Reportedly only 250 copies were printed. The print depicts two partridges, one standing and the other lying apparently on sand, surrounded by high grass. A landscape of plants and possibly water is seen in the background. This beautiful hand-colored lithograph is presented in a double cream-colored mat. There is one tiny spot in the left lower corner, faint spots in the right upper print and mild toning about the periphery which is covered by the mat. It is otherwise in excellent condition. It is accompanied by the original text page. John Gould (1841-1881) was an English contemporary of the American John James Audubon. Gould published his first illustrated book on birds in 1831 entitled "A Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains", followed by "Ramphastidae" and "Birds of Europe". He then extended the scope of his travels and research to include Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea, drawing birds in their natural habitat. Artists, such as his wife Elizabeth Gould, Henry Richter and Edward Lear, transferred his drawings to hand printed and hand colored stone lithographs, which are known for their beauty, detail and accuracy. As well as an exceptional and prolific artist, Gould was an outstanding scientific naturalist. In approximately 50 years he created approximately 3,000 lithographs of birds...

This is a framed hand-colored folio sized lithograph entitled "Campylopterus Hyperythrus" (Rufous-breasted Sabrewing Hummingbird), Plate 51 from John Gould's "A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-birds", published in London in 1850. The print, which was drawn by Gould and Henry Richter and lithographed by Hullmandel and Walton, depicts three hummingbirds displaying multiple colors, including, green, blue and shades of brown highlights among burgundy and cream colored flowers. The hummingbirds are highlighted by bright iridescent metallic paint. This beautiful Gould hummingbird...

This is a remarkable hand-colored folio sized lithograph entitled "Dendrochelidon Mystaceus" (Bearded Tree-Swift) by John Gould from his monograph "The Birds of Great Britain", publi...