This is an original 19th century hand-colored stone lithograph "Persian Starling  (Slurnus Purpurascens)" from the Birds of Asia (1850-1883) by the famous British naturalist John Gould (1804-1881).

John Gould is probably the most famous of all among the British ornithologists. He truly earned the nickname "The Bird Man" with his prolific publication of as many as 2999 paintings of birds. John Gould traveled around the world, collected bird skins from different countries and  used them for his lithographs in his monumental works: the “Birds of Great Britain, The Birds of Asia, The Birds of Australia, The Birds of New Guinea, A Monograph of the Trochilidae or Family of Humming-Birds, The Birds of Europe, A Monograph of Ramphastidae or Family of Toucans, A Monograph of the Trogonidae or family of Trogons, and A Century of Birds hitherto unfigured from the Himalaya Mountains”. His Birds were printed as hand-colored stone lithographs, with most of the initial compositional sketches made by John Gould himself with subsequent detailed drawings, fill-in, and hand-coloring work done by some of the most talented artists that he employed. These artists included his wife Elizabeth Gould, William Hart, Edward Lear, Henry Richter and others. These highly collectible hand-colored stone lithographs by John Gould are well known for the beauty of the birds and the workmanship of the artists that he employed. 

The current listing Persian Starling  (Slurnus Purpurascens) is an original 19th century hand-colored stone lithograph from John Gould's "The Birds of Asia" (1850-1883). The credits at lower left are to J. Gould & H. C. Richter, del et lith. The credits at lower right are to Walter, Imp.

Condition:  The overall condition of this antique lithograph is commensurate with its age, and is in very good  condition. The full sheet dimensions are: ~21 5/8" x 14 3/4". A small piece of the upper left tip is missing (easily covered by the window mat if framing). The lithograph came from a bound volume of the "The Birds of Asia" and shows the characteristic binding edge on the right side. The colors are bright and excellent with no sign of fading or bleaching of colors. There is original gum arabic on the birds. This original lithograph is accompanied by a text page from John Gould's The Birds of Asia. Please examine the images in the listing (including images of its verso and text page).

Best Offers encouraged. All sales are final.

SHIPPING:   The lithograph will be shipped flat in a package by USPS Priority Mail with signature confirmation (to prevent front porch pirates from stealing).   For shipping to foreign countries, please ask for a shipping quote.