John Gould (1841-1881)

Publications

One of the most prolific bird illustrators, John Gould, and his wife Elizabeth, drew and lithographed thousands of birds from around the world. While other bird illustrators gained fame through a folio of birds from one geographical region, the Goulds covered the globe. Indeed their publications covered 6 of the 7 continents, only excepting Antarctica. To say John Gould was prolific is a tremendous understatement. His work spans more than 10 major publications, 40 volumes, and nearly 3000 lithographic plates.

Gould employed master artists, such as Edward Lear, H.C. Richter, Wm. Hart and Joseph Wolf, to draw and transfer to stone lithographs the birds in his publications. His wife Elizabeth transferred many of his drawings to lithographic stones.