Description: MAGNIFICENT BIRD OF PARADISE Artist: John Gould The title in the box above is also printed at the bottom of the engraving. (CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE GOULD BIRD PRINTS LIKE THIS ONE!!) This print was published circa 1950 in England as part of a folio reprint series from Gould's original 1800's tropical bird prints. It would make a great gift for the bird watcher or ornithologist. Perfect when framed for a home office or sun room. MAGNIFICENT BIRD OF PARADISE (Diphyllodes speciosa) The peculiar features of this bird of paradise are its double mantle and its two recurving tail feathers. The double mantle is for purposes of display and courtship, and the coloured plate does not do justice, perhaps, to the violet purple lights and reflection in its deep green chest. This bird must present an entirely different appearance when displaying. The Bird of Paradise is a common name for any member of a family of birds, noted for the magnificent plumage of the adult males of many species. They are native to New Guinea and neighboring islands; four species reach eastern Australia. About 40 species are known. Protected from their natural enemies by their dull color, the females and young gather in small flocks. The more conspicuous males are often solitary, but at times engage in elaborate mating or other social display. Birds of paradise are omnivorous, and their food consists largely of fruit, insects, and snails. Demand for the male plumage has threatened the survival of some species. John Gould (Born Sept. 14, 1804, Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, England. Died Feb. 3, 1881, London), was an English ornithologist whose large, lavishly illustrated volumes on birds command ever-mounting prices among collectors. Gould learned taxidermy at Windsor Castle, where his father was foreman of gardeners. In 1827 he became taxidermist to the Zoological Society of London. The arrival in 1830 of a collection of exotic bird skins from the Himalayas enabled him to produce the first of many folio volumes, A Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains (1831-32). Gould's sketches were transferred to the lithographer's stone by his wife, the former Elizabeth Coxon, whose artistic talents were to enhance many of his works until her death in 1841. The five-volume Birds of Europe (1832-37) and Monograph of the Ramphastidae (Toucans) (1834) were so successful that the Goulds were able to spend two years (1838-40) in Australia, where they made a large collection of birds and mammals. The collection resulted in Gould's most famous work, The Birds of Australia, 7 vol. (1840-48; supplements 1851-69), and in Mammals of Australia, 3 vol. (1845-63). He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1843. Gould's lifetime work comprised more than 40 volumes, with more than 3,000 coloured plates. His many scientific papers, mostly devoted to descriptions of new species, established his professional reputation, but he is best known today for his folios. SIZE: Image size in inches is 4 1/2" x 7 1/2" overall print size is 7" x 9" CONDITION: Printed on quality coated paper. May have light age toning. Blank on reverse.
Price: 13.99 USD
Location: New Providence, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-01-27T20:20:31.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7.95 USD
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Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Print
