Paradisea Papuana (Papuana Bird of Paradise) 1875 - 1888

This ornithological study was produced by John Gould. This is no paint-by-numbers job; each print began as a watercolor, meticulously translated to a lithographic stone. The magic of lithography lies in its subtle interplay of grease and water. The artist draws directly onto the stone's surface, then treats it with chemicals. When printed, the ink adheres only to the greasy image, leaving the wet areas blank. This method, perfect for replicating delicate textures and fine details, allowed Gould to produce a remarkable volume of work, bringing exotic species into parlors and studies across the world. Consider the sheer labor invested here. Each print required not only Gould's artistic vision, but also skilled draftsmen, lithographers, and colorists, working in concert, dividing the labour to satisfy an eager market for natural history illustrations. Seen in this light, "Paradisea Papuana" is not only a scientific record of birds, but a testament to the commercial forces driving artistic production in the 19th century.