Lot 5
  • 5

Gould, John

Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • Gould, John
  • The Birds of Europe. London: printed by R. and J.E. Taylor, published by the author, [1832]-1837
  • paper
FIRST EDITION, 5 volumes, folio (541 x 360mm.), dedication leaf, list of subscribers, list of plates, 448 hand-coloured lithographed plates, the majority drawn and lithographed by Elizabeth Gould from sketches and designs by the author, the remainder drawn and lithographed by Edward Lear, later half calf over cloth (library binding with shelfmarks gilt at foot of spines), a few leaves with marginal dampstaining, goosander plate with areas of slight browning, bindings rubbed and with some soiling

Provenance

Sion College Library, inkstamps; Madelaine Jay, bookplate

Literature

Anker 169; Fine Bird Books, p.77; Nissen IVB 371; Sauer 2; Wood, p.364; Zimmer, p.251

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Gould's Birds of Europe is notable for the contribution of Edward Lear, who produced 67 of the plates. As Isabella Tree notes "in volume Lear's contribution may not have been prolific, but its impact was revelatory. Lear's participation transformed the work of Mrs Gould, which in the Himalayan Birds was little more than a continuation of eighteenth-century productions, into dynamic and expressive works of art. Like an ornithological Michelangelo he propelled her limited sense of perspective into the third dimension" (Isabella Tree, The Ruling Passion of John Gould (London, 1991), p.43).