Large folio handcolored swan lithograph by Edward Lear (del. et lith.). Printed by C, Hullmandel. Bewick's Swan, plate 356. From John Gould's The Birds of Europe, 1832-37. Excellent condition, handsomely mounted and framed. Purchased from W. Graham Arader circa 1980. Frame is 27.25 x 21.75; image is 19.5 x 13.75. Edward Lear,one of the greatest ornithological artists of his era, was a self-taught naturalist and painter who later became famous as a writer of nonsense and limericks. Lear¹s exacting and masterly skill as an artist was employed by many major publishers of 19th century English ornithologies and natural histories. Born outside London in 1812, Lear was the 20th child of Jeremiah Lear, a London stockbroker. In 1816, Jeremiah went bankrupt, and Edward was raised primarily by his elder sister, Ann, who provided classical studies and taught him to draw from nature. At age 14, Lear began his career as an artist. About 1828, Lear began work as a zoological draughtsman, working with, among other notables, Prideaux John Selby. It was there he also met John Gould, the Society¹s taxidermist, who became one of the great 19th century naturalist publishers. Lear drew 68 plates and many of the foregrounds for Gould¹s Birds of Europe (1832-1837). Shipping extra. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut add 6.35% state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes,tariffs or customs that might apply. *** If you wish to see examples of similar items we have sold and/or appraised please go to our affiliate site www.OneofaKindAntiques.com and click the Archives / Homepage logo ***

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Animals