Gould, John

FIRST EDITION, 6 volumes including the supplement, folio (546 x 356mm.), dedication leaf, list of subscribers, lists of plates, 418 hand-coloured lithographed plates by and after J. Gould, H.C. Richter and W. Hart, printed by Hullmadel & Watson, additional plate from Icones avium (todus multicolor) with accompanying letterpress leaf bound in at end of supplement, contemporary green morocco gilt (the supplement with a brown spine), covers panelled in gilt with foliate motifs, central crowned monogram gilt of Philippe, Count of Flanders (1837-1905, 2nd son of Leopold I of Belgium), gilt edges

Philippe, Count of Flanders (1837-1905) monogram on covers

Nissen IVB 380; Anker 177; Fine Bird Books, p.78; Sauer 16 and 29; Zimmer, p.258

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."

A FINE COPY WITH A DISTINGUISHED ROYAL PROVENANCE.

''The trochilidae of Gould is his masterpiece, and must ever remain a feast of beauty and a source of wonder'' (Fine Bird Books, p.29). The work was issued in thirty parts, including the Supplement, the last four parts being published after Gould's death with R. Bowdler Sharpe responsible for the text. The total number of species described was about 482. The birds are often shown in flight, darting or hovering among flowers in order to bring out every aspects of their plumage. To reproduce the iridescence of the feathers Gould used pure gold leaf over-painted with transparent oil colours and varnish. Gould's own remarkable collection of 1500 mounted humming birds was exhibited in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park, during the Great Exhibition of 1851. It attracted 75,000 visitors, including Queen Victoria, who recorded in her diary: ''It is impossible to imagine anything so lovely as these little Humming Birds, their variety, and the extraordinary brilliance of their colours.''