Gould Bird New Guinea Pomarea rufocastanea (Rufus & Chestnut Flycatcher) Antique Print

 Original hand-colored  is designed and lithographed by William Matthew Hart. Published in London  between 1875 and 1888 by John Gould, its completion entrusted to his young friend and fellow ornithologist, Dr. Richard Bowdler-Sharpe (1847-1909), for Birds of New Guinea and the adjacent Papuan Islands, including many species recently discovered in Australia. John Gould employed the finest lithographers of the day to create large hand-colored lithographs that are some of the finest bird illustrations ever done. Gould had an excellent eye for detail, and closely supervised the work of his lithographers.

The paper used is the high quality flax & hemp "wove" paper introduced after circa 1820 to replace the hand made "laid" paper used prior.

 William Hart was in his element when coloring the bright display of feathers on the Birds of Paradise. He had invented a technique to paint over gold and silver leaf to emulate the shimmering iridescence.of their plumage.

This study illustrates the male and female Flycatchers sitting  on branches of a large yellow flowering tropical tree. The male has dark blue, black glossy head and is demonstrating his skill with an insect in his pointed beak, The female head is more a light blue/grey coloration. Both have the "Chestnut" chests and grey/blue tail feathers. A cloudy Blue sky is their backdrop.

Published London between 1875-1888.
Condition = Excellent supplied with original text.
Page Size = 37cm x 55cm / 14.8 x 22 inch