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English zoologist and first taxidermist of the Zoological Society of London with headquarters at the British Museum, John Gould's chief interest proved to be in ornithology. Throughout his productive years, 1832-1881, he published 41 large folio volumes on birds containing nearly 4,000 hand colored plates. He spent two years in Australia, going there in 1838 with his wife, who was also his artist. Soon after this he was elected a corresponding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, hence his later interest in this institution. Gould visited America in 1857, and while at the Academy made a a pencil sketch of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.
Series 1: This group of 8 sketches by John Gould are found in his notebook, which carries on the spine this title:
The notebook was originally started by John Gould, each page being devoted to one species and including sketches and notes on synonyms, biography, and anatomical details. Six species of birds are pictured in this notebook, namely the Chafinch, Fringilla celebes, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Green finch, and Mealy Redpoll. A seventh species, a Bittern, was sketched by John Gatcombe at the request of Mr. Gould. The sketches are either loose or tipped into the appropriate pages of the book, and measure 12 x 14 cm. to 23 x 19 cm. Six sketches were drawn in pencil and watercolor, while 2 are drawn only in pencil. Some sketches include notes regarding color and anatomical details, which is noted in the inventory.
Series 4: A pencil sketch of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, made by Gould during his visit to the Academy, May 1857. Measures 20 x 33 cm.
Series 1: Arranged as items are found in pages of the notebook.
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Cite as: Collection 71. John Gould Sketches of Birds. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Gift of R.M. de Schauensee, 1952.
Finding aid created by Mary Hammer, 2003.
Includes notes regarding color and anatomical details.
Verso includes rough sketches of birds.
Depicts 2 birds.
Depicts the beak and claw only, and includes notes.
Includes notes regarding color and anatomical details.
Depicts 4 finches.
Includes notes regarding color.
Depicts beak and claw only, and includes notes regarding color and anatomical details.
Depicts head and claw only, and includes notes regarding color.
Accompanied by a letter from John Gatcombe.
This is the only sketch that can be attributed solely to Gould as none of his assistant illustrators were with him when he visited the Academy in 1857.