Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 7141:
Description
This stunning folio lithograph is from Daniel Giraud Elliot’s
A Monograph of the Paradiseidae, or Birds of Paradise. The work was published in London by the Elliot for subscribers in 1873.
Each originally hand-colored lithograph was done by J. Smit after Joseph Wolf’s illustrations and colored by J. D. White. "The plates in this work, almost as magnificent as the birds they portray, were the fruits of Elliot’s considerable wealth, Wolf’s great artistry, and both men’s profound knowledge and love of birds." (Dance)
Elliot writes of the illustrations in his preface to the work: "The drawings of Mr. Wolf will, I am sure, receive the admiration of those who see them; for, like all that artist’s productions, they cannot be surpassed, if equalled, at the present time. Mr. J. Smit has lithographed the drawings with his usual conscientious fidelity, and in his share of the work has left me nothing to desire… In the colouring of the plates Mr. J.D. White has faithfully followed the originals; and in the difficult portions where it was necessary to produce the metallic hues, he has been very successful."
Daniel Giraud Elliot (1835-1915) was an American zoologist. He produced numerous, stunning natural history works recruiting artists that helped form some of John Gould’s works. He served as the first curator of zoology for the Field Museum in Chicago. He was the founder of the American Ornithologist Union and one of the founders of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Elliot’s lithographs are some of the most valuable American bird plates.
Paper Size: ~ 18" by 23 1/4"
Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Lithograph
Condition report:
The work is in good to excellent condition overall. There may be some faint foxing or fox marks present throughout the work. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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