Menura Superba- Shaw (Lyrebird) 1837 - 1848

John Gould created this lithograph of the Menura Superba – or Lyrebird – using ink and watercolor. These materials may seem conventional enough, but the lithographic process by which the image was printed reflects the industrialization of art production in the 19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique using a flat stone or metal plate on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance, so that the ink will adhere to them, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent. Gould relied on this relatively new method to achieve the fine details of the bird’s plumage. The texture of the paper allows the ink and watercolor to blend, resulting in a smooth, almost velvety surface. But don't let the soft appearance fool you. The creation of this print involved skilled labor, industrial processes, and the economic structures of the art market. Considering these elements reminds us that every work of art is not just an aesthetic experience, but also a product of its time.