Title: Ramphomicron Ruficeps

Red-capped Thorn-Bill

Date: 1849-61

Medium: Stone Lithography on high quality wove paper

Color: Original Hand Colored with Gold leaf

Dimension: image (no clear image border), paper (36.6 x 54.5 cm or 14 3/8 x 21 1/2 inch)

Credits & Marginalia: John Gould (artist / author), HC Richter (lithographer), Hullmundel & Walton (printer), from Plate 188 of the original 1^st edition A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds

Condition:

      This beautiful print of Ramphomicron rufficeps (or Red caped thorn bill) is in excellent condition plus [i.e., clear and pristine image, strong and bright paper, vivid colors, original full margins, and slight but even age toning – likely one of the nicest condition you will ever encounter for this print]. It was printed on high quality heavy woven paper with a blank verso. The print together with its original text page (as shown) is nearly flawless with no apology. Ample photos (front, back, and details) in high resolution are provided for your convenience of identification and judging its excellent quality independently.

Description:

     John Gould (1804 –1881) was one of the best-known ornithologists / bird illustrators of 19^th century. This current print was taken from the 1^st edition of one of his best know works Family of Hummingbird (published between 1849 - 1861). It was produced via stone lithograph with hand coloring.

     Most hummingbirds have some degree of iridescent metallic shine that will change color when viewing from different angles or under sunlight. Gould had experimented with different coloring materials [e.g., gold and silver leafs, translucent oils, lacquers, and gum Arabic etc] to simulate the iridescent shine with some astonishing results that were highly regarded. Not all his prints were gilded with gold or silver leaf, this one has the gold leaf for the upper bird at its throat and crown area. The birds were depicted in life size.

     It will be carefully packaged flat and shipped via USPS priority mail with insurance [included in shipping and handling fee] for domestic address or USPS airmail with registration for international address. Please note the very low starting price [e.g., trading at > $900 for the same item of lesser quality] with no reserve for this highly displayable collector’s item. Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

      Note that this item [and our other antique maps and prints] is absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed [with full 100% money back including shipping / handling and your return postage and with no-question-asked return policy] to be original [i.e., not a later copy or reproduction] and as described. Free shipping and handling for most additional items when combine shipping. Please take a look at our other related maps/prints items on eBay store or auction format.