John Gould (British, 1804-1881), Andigena Laminirostris, from "A Monograph of the Ramphastidae", or "Family of Toucans". London: Taylor and Francis for the author, 1833-35 (first edition), 1852-1854 (second edition). An original, hand-colored lithograph presenting a magnificent composition depicting a pair of beautiful toucans perched upon a leafy branch with white orchid-like blossoms - both birds with brilliantly hued plumage of azure blue, golden yellow, scarlet red, and chestnut brown. "Family of Toucans" was originally issued in three parts - 1833, 1834, and 1835 - and the second edition (1852-1854) included 18 additional plates. The monograph featured toucans of Mexico, Central and South America, as well as the West Indies. Size: visible image 20.25" L x 14" W (51.4 cm x 35.6 cm); 30.625" L x 23.625" W (77.8 cm x 60 cm) with custom framing.

Andigena Laminirostris (Plate-billed mountain toucan) belongs to the Ramphastidae family. It is native to the west slope of Ecuador and southern Colombia where it enjoys the humid Andean forests. This bird is also known as the laminated hill-toucan, the laminated mountain-toucan, and the plain billed mountain-toucan. Interestingly, this particular toucan is the most vocal of mountain toucans, AND for all you singers out there, the sexes are known to perform duets! Today the Plate-billed mountain toucan is considered to be Near Threatened by the IUCN - on the decline due to deforestation of its habitat. It is also the beloved flagship bird of Colombia's La Planada Nature Reserve.

John Gould was an ornithologist, a self-taught artist, as well as a naturalist. From 1818 to 1824, Gould was a gardener working under his father in the Royal Gardens of Windsor, where he began creating illustrations. In time, he became an accomplished taxidermist, opening his own practice in London in 1824. In 1827, Gould became the first Curator and Preserver at the museum of the Zoological Society of London. His interest in birds kept developing, and in 1830 he published "A Century of Birds From the Himalaya Mountains" - his first volume on birds. For the next fifty years, Gould, his wife Elizabeth, and several other artists working with them sojourned throughout the world to depict hundreds of bird species in their natural environs.

Provenance: private Jon and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; Mary Williams has more than 35 years of experience as a trusted source for quality paintings, sculpture, and antique prints and maps. She has also represented some of America's finest artists.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#141399

This is an original antique lithograph that is in excellent condition and has beautiful framing. It has been executed to full museum standards using the highest quality frames and mats.