Artist and illustrator Elizabeth Gould is finally given the
recognition she deserves in this gorgeous volume that includes hundreds
of her stunning and scientifically precise illustrations of birds from
nearly every continent.
For all of her short life, Elizabeth Gould's artistic career was
appreciated through the lens of her husband, ornithologist John Gould,
with whom she embarked on a series of ambitious projects to document and
illustrate the birds of the world. Elizabeth played a crucial role in
her husband's lavish publications, creating beautifully detailed and
historically significant accurate illustrations of over six hundred
birds -many of which were new to science. However, Elizabeth's role was
not always fully credited and, following her tragic death aged only
thirty-seven, her efforts and talent were nearly forgotten.
This marvelous volume offers a new and timely tribute to Elizabeth's
reputation and skill. It opens with an introduction to her life and
achievements that reflects the latest scholarship. Following is a
geographically organized collection of full-color plates depicting birds
from nineteenth-century Europe, South and Central America, Africa, Asia,
and Australia including previously unpublished original artworks.
Filled with the highest quality reproductions, this volume allows
readers to appreciate first-hand Gould's talent for capturing the unique
character of each species and the beauty of avian diversity. At the same
time it offers a valuable reconsideration of a woman who left a lasting
legacy as one of the greatest bird painters of all time.
