Hylonympha Macrocerca by Gould, mint condition authentic vintage lithograph printed in the 1940s

Hylonympha Macrocerca by artist J. Gould - 20" tall by 16" wide.

Four vintage Gould hummingbird lithographs are available from Pink Flamingos: Glaucis Fraseri, Hylonympha Macrocerca, Petasophora Iolata, Thalurania Refulgens. We also have a special listing available for purchase of the full set at a reduced cost. Each of these lithographs were printed in 1946 by I.B. Fischer Co. of New York City and measure 16" wide by 20" tall. We recommend having these prints framed using an oval mat to further enhance their beauty and appeal. Lithographs of similar quality printed more recently (2009) can be found for purchase online to add to this set, albeit at a higher cost per print.

John Gould was born on September 14, 1804, in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. His passion for birds developed at a young age, and he began working as a taxidermist and natural history dealer. It was during this time that he honed his artistic skills in depicting birds. Elizabeth Coxen, born in 1804, married John in 1829. A talented artist herself, she shared his love for natural history and quickly became an integral part of his work.

John and Elizabeth's collaboration was extraordinary. John was an excellent observer of birds, and Elizabeth was a skilled artist. Her precise illustrations brought John's observations to life, making their synergistic work highly regarded in scientific circles. Together, they produced numerous illustrated volumes on birds, many of which are considered classics today.

John and Elizabeth Gould made significant contributions to the study of hummingbirds even while residing in England. Despite being far from hummingbird habitats, the Goulds obtained specimens through various means, including collectors and explorers who sent them specimens from distant lands. John's meticulous descriptions and observations, combined with Elizabeth's stunning illustrations, created a comprehensive record of these remarkable birds. Their collaborative efforts resulted in detailed documentation and vibrant illustrations of hummingbirds, especially from South America and Australia, significantly expanding our understanding of hummingbird diversity and behavior. Their work continues to be a valuable resource for researchers and bird enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of ornithology.

Pink Flamingos is fortunate to have four beautiful lithographs printed in the 1940s of Elizabeth's hand-colored engravings of several species of hummingbirds. These images are even more remarkable when considering that the couple had primarily taxidermized specimens available for observation, as hummingbirds did not typically survive for long on the trip over to England from the Americas.