This beautiful hand-colored lithograph depicts an adult whiskered tern in summer plumage along with a young tern in first autumn plumage (both life-sized). Drawn and lithographed by Gould and Henry C. Richter. John Gould (1804-81) created some of the most beautiful bird prints ever produced and was known throughout the world as "The Bird Man." This lithograph appeared in the fifth volume his magnum opus The Birds of Great Britain, which was published in 5 volumes between 1862-73. Printed by Walter. The lot includes a sheet of text providing information about the bird's habitat, correspondences from various ornithologists, and more.

References: Sitwell, p. 102.

Condition: A

Full contemporary color with a hint of toning and a few tiny chips along the sheet's edges, well away from map image. Sheet of text also has minor chipping along the edges.