This original lithograph of the Great Black-backed Gull (Larus Marinus) is from John Gould's The Birds of Europe, issued in parts between 1832 and 1837.This plate is number 85 from volume 5 of this work and was drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear.The first edition was 5 volumes, folio size with 448 hand-coloured lithographed plates, the majority drawn and lithographed by Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by John Gould and the remainder drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear.In these prints, the bird is the only focus of the image, with a sketchier background, giving them the air of being a watercolour study or drawing. Such exquisite delicacy is the hallmark of this work.Size: approximately 22in x 15in (52cm x 36cm).

The print is in good condition but slightly trimmed on thick, high quality paper with some soiling. Please inspect the image carefully