John Gould

John Gould was often referred to as the ‘father of bird study in Australia’, because the English ornithologist created several esteemed collections of bird illustrations over his long career. He was the most prolific artist and publisher of ornithological subjects of all time. 

In nineteenth century Europe Gould’s name was as well known as Audubon’s was in North America. But unlike Audubon, whose life’s work focused on one region, Gould traveled widely and employed other artists to help create his lavish hand-colored lithographic folios. 

Nearly 3,000 lithographs were created during the span of his long career. He painted birds from the Himalaya Mountains, Australia, Asia, Great Britain, New Guinea, and many more. Gould’s publications consist of more than 40 volumes.