"Grus Cinerea", Gould, John

This gorgeous hand-colored lithograph depicts a common crane in the foreground, with its head framed by the V-formation of migrating cranes in flight. A sedge of cranes gather in the background. Drawn and lithographed by Joseph Wolf and W. Hart. John Gould (1804-81) created some of the most beautiful bird prints ever produced and was known throughout the world as "The Bird Man." This lithograph appeared in his magnum opus The Birds of Great Britain, which was published in 5 volumes between 1862-73. Printed by Walter. The lot includes a sheet of text providing information about the bird's habitat, migration patterns, and more.

References: Sitwell, p. 102.

Condition: B+

Beautiful contemporary color on a sheet with pleasant light toning, minor offsetting from an opposing page of text, and a few spots in the margins. There are binding holes along the bottom sheet edge.