Petrocossyphus cyanus (Blue Rockthrush)

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored lithograph captures the Blue Rockthrush (Petrocossyphus cyanus) with remarkable precision and vibrancy. Created by renowned British ornithologist and artist John Gould in collaboration with lithographer H.C. Richter, the print dates from the early nineteenth century, a period when natural history illustration flourished as both scientific tool and artistic pursuit. The medium allowed for fine detail and subtle tonal gradations that were then enhanced by hand-applied watercolor, giving each impression a unique, lifelike quality. Gould’s work played a pivotal role in documenting avian species for both scholars and the public. His illustrations combined meticulous anatomical accuracy with elegant compositions, reflecting the era’s growing interest in exploration and classification. Produced during a time of expanding global trade and scientific inquiry, prints like this helped bring exotic birds from Europe, Asia, and beyond into homes and institutions across Britain. Measuring just over 22 by 15 inches, the sheet exemplifies the accessible yet refined format of Gould’s publications. Today it resides in the National Gallery of Art’s collection as a gift celebrating the intersection of art, science, and natural beauty.

About the Artist

John Gould and H.C. Richter

John Gould (1804–1881) and Henry Constantine Richter (1821–1902) formed one of the most productive and celebrated partnerships in the history of natural history illustration. Gould, an English ornithologist and publisher of extraordinary ambition, built a career on the production of lavishly illustrated folio volumes documenting the birds of Britain, Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas. Thou...