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Gould, John: : Reed Bunting

Lithographed plate with original hand-colour, 54.5 x 36 cms, by J. & E. Gould, printed by Hullmandel, from the Birds of Europe.

The Birds of Europe, Gould’s second major project described by Hyman as his magnum opus, was heavily dependent upon the industry and talent of Gould’s wife Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth Gould’s work was transformed by the participation of Edward Lear. The birds were not allowed to remain suspended in mid air like stuffed specimens in a case, but were presented in their own habitats and Elizabeth Gould was also influenced by the accuracy and vitality of Lear's birds, aided by the revolutionary use of lithography which preserved the style and sponteneity of the original drawing. The Birds of Europe received a rapturous welcome at the time, and is arguably among the most magnificent and important ornithological works ever produced.