Why John Goulds illustrations are special

As a gardeners son Gould loved animals and was deeply passionate about the natural world. During his travels, he met Elizabeth who was as keen on natural history as he was. She later became Goulds wife and colleague.

Elizabeth could draw and was a skilled artist, while Gould himself was not a particularly good artist. On the other hand, he was a very good observer, and had an extraordinary capacity of noting the characteristics of animals and birds. He would do a rough sketch and then have it translated by Elizabeth. She was his first artist, later he relied on a group of dedicated artists, lithographers and colorers to translate his preparatory sketches into finished illustrations.

Goulds drawings in pencil, ink, chalk and broad color wash reveal a quickness and boldness that often capture the very essence of a bird’s characteristics, but are never more than rough sketches. With his group of artists the final product is a stunning series of volumes documenting birds and animals. Each image is delicately illustrated by hand and then colored by his team. Once the finished watercolor had been approved by Gould, it was then ready to be copied onto a lithographic stone.

The birds and animals are painted lifelike and true, in wonderful colors. Each bird plate depicts the male and female of the species. And in case of large birds, the male and female are shown on consecutive plates. If available, the plate might include a nest with eggs or chicks in it.