Every hummingbird carries with it a story of unbelievable endurance through transcontinental migration and survival against all odds. This magnificent volume brings together the family of hummingbirds, all 418 species that were known to exist when John Gould set out to capture them on paper in 1849.
Gould’s years-long quest, in which he enlisted the help of many fellow artists, including Edward Lear, resulted in this master work of natural history. Unlike Audubon, whose works focused on a single country, Gould’s lithographs depict jewel-like birds, together with botanicals native to their habitats, from the most remote and exotic ecosystems of the Americas. This collection of superbly detailed, hand-colored lithographs is the most complete of known species ever produced.
In their essay, authors Joel Oppenheimer and Laura Oppenheimer tell the story of Gould’s colorful life and place his work in the context of a remarkable period when the exploration of science and the world’s natural wonders was at an all-time high. They also explain the techniques Gould employed to create the prints. “The Family of Hummingbirds” will delight bird-watching hobbyists, fans of natural history prints, and especially lovers of hummingbirds everywhere.
About the Authors: Joel and Laura Oppenheimer are the owners of Oppenheimer Gallery, established in 1969, that serves as both a gallery and art-restoration laboratory. Oppenheimer Gallery is also one of the country’s preeminent dealers of original Audubon works and facsimile prints. Robert McCracken Peck, curator of art and artifacts and senior fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, is a writer, naturalist, and historian who has traveled extensively in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Peck is the author of many books, including “Land of the Eagle: A Natural History of North America” (1990); “Headhunters and Hummingbirds: An Expedition into Ecuador” (1987); and “A Celebration of Birds: The Life and Art of Louis Agassiz Fuertes” (1982).
“The Family of Hummingbirds: The Complete Prints by John Gould” by Joel Oppenheimer and Laura Oppenheimer is published by Rizzoli Electa, 2018.
For information on ordering call Rizzoli Electa at 212-387-3400.